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II
SAN FRANCISCO
PUBLIC LIBRARY
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1223 90156 0327
REFERENCE BOOK
Not to be taken from the Library
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
ITITOFnrffMMff*!
IMPROVED
MANUFACTURED AND FOR SALE BY
Nos. 18 and 20 Fremont Street,
San Francisco
For simplicity, durability and rapidity of action, these Machines have
no equal, cutting from 3,500 to 4,000 per hour. They
are now used by all the principal Millmen
on the Pacific Coast.
PRICE, COMPLETE, WITH ONE SAW $425 00
JOINTER FRAME, EXTRA, PRICE 25 00
The inventor refers to the following parties, who have his machines
in use :
Harrington & Co., Pescadero.
Burch & Co., Pescadero.
R. Walton, Emigrant Gap, C. P.R.R.
A. H. Davis & Son, Carson City,
Nevada.
Macpherson & Wetherbee, S. F.
Pope & Talbot, S. F.
Hanson & Co., Redwood City.
Rice & Halliburton, Woodside.
S. P. Pharis, Woodside.
STEAM ENGINES, SAWMILLS, PLANING, LATH AND PICKET
MACHINES, ETC., MADE TO ORDER AT SHORT NOTICE.
F. A. HUNTINGTON,
18 and 20 Fremont Street, San Francisco.
1* ■
THE
BUYERS' MANUAL
AN©
BUSINESS GUIDE;
BEING A DESCRIPTION OF THE
LEADING BUSINESS HOUSES
MANUFACTORIES, INVENTIONS, Etc.
OF THE PACIFIC COAST,
TOGETHER WITH COPIOUS AND READABLE SELECTIONS,
CHIEFLY FROM CALIFORNIA WRITERS.
Compiled by J. Price and C. S. Haley.
SAN FRANCISCO :
Francis & Valentine, Steam Book and Job Printing Establishment,
No. 517 Clay Street, and 510 to 516 Commercial Street.
1872.
PREFACE.
A few words concerning the scope, aim and character of this work may
not he out of place. An examination of its pages will show that its
contents are of a somewhat varied character, comprising, in addition to
the Business Guide proper, copious and readable selections in prose and
verse, chiefly from California authors, among whom will he found the
names of Frank Bret Harte, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), Joaquin
Miller, John Phoenix (Lieut. Derby), A. G. Beirce, Isabel A. Saxon,
Prentice Mulford and Dr. J. M. Haley, together with selections from Oliver
"Wendell Holmes, Phcebe Cary, Ethel Lynn, Alexander Smith, Mrs. A.
M. Diaz, Frances M. Whitcher and J. R. Lowell. The selections are
made with a view to entertain and amuse, rather than to instruct.
Several songs with music are also inserted, every one of them having been
selected by a competent judge for the unusual excellence of the music.
No attempt is made to conceal the fact that the object thus sought is to
make the work of a character that will insure its preservation for years.
The same end is sought to be attained also by binding the work in a hand-
some manner, and by printing it in good style on superior paper. The
work is published for the benefit of those having descriptions of their
business or inventions in its pages, and in this connection it is proper to
state that the business part of the work will be found full of readable
articles and useful information for those wishing to know where to buy,
what to buy, and of whom to buy. In collecting descriptive articles tor
this publication, only a few of the most prominent and reliable houses
were approached, their character and standing having been previously
ascertained.
Of course it is not claimed that all business houses of character and
standing in the State are referred to in this work, or that all enterprises
and inventions deserving mention are represented in its pages. This only
is asserted : that each business man or firm whose name does appear is of
the highest standing and respectability in the particular business in which
he is engaged.
No publicity was given to the fact that the work was in progress, in
order that the compilers might not be solicited for space by those persons
whose patronage was not desirable. In thus carefully selecting only the
most responsible men as subscribers, the compilers necessarily reduced
PREFACE. V
the patronage that the work might have otherwise obtained, bmt it will be
found that every branch of business carried on, is represented to a greater
or less extent. It is probable that an exactly similar work was never
before issued.
Firmly persuaded that it cannot fail to be of benefit to subscribers and
readers, the work is submitted by
THE PUBLISHERS.
HUNTINGTON, HOPKINS & CO.
IMPORTERS OF
Hardware, Iron, Steel, Coal
POWDER, FUSE, BELTING, HOSE, GAS PIPE,
BRASS GOODS AND FITTINGS, ROPE,
TAR, PITCH, OAKUM,
mill, nvninsriisj o 7
AND
RAILWAY SUPPLIES
BLACKSMITH AND MACHINISTS' TOOLS, WAGON
AND CARRIAGE HARDWARE.
AGENTS FOR
Jessop & Son's Celebrated Steel, Oriental Powder Co,,
Boston; Weston's Patent Differential Pulley
Blocks, National Screw Co., N. Y.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAGE
THE LUCK OF ROARING CAMP, (Frank Bret Harte,) - 1
IN THE TUNNEL, (Frank Bret Barte,) 8
JUMPING FROG OF CALAVERAS, (Mark Twain,) 9
ENTERTAINING HISTORY OF THE SCRIPTURAL PANORAMIST, (Mark Twain,) - 13
THREE THOUSAND KILLED AND WOUNDED, (Poem, Isabel A. Saxon,) - - - 15
TOWN CRIERISMS, (A. G. Bierce,) 19
A FRAGMENT, (Poem, Joaquin Miller,) 23
SUPPOSE, (Poem, Phoebe Gary,) 24
THE YOUNG TOBACCO CHEWER, 2fS
JEALOUSY, 26
AN ARCTIC AURORA, ' - 28
SHOPPING IN RIO JANIERO, 30
WOOING, (Poem,) - - 32
SONNET, (Poem,) 35
POETRY RUN MAD, 35
THE BAKER'S REPLY TO THE NEEDLE PEDDLER, 35
THE GERMAN BY MOONLIGHT, (Poem,) 39
HOW LONG TO STARVE, 40
A CURIOUS MEDICAL EXPERIMENT 42
THE PUBLIC TO MARK TWAIN— HIS REPLY, 44
HISTORICAL SKETCH, -47
THE FUR TRADE— ITS RISE AND PROGRESS 52
MATCH BOXES AND THEIR MAKERS, 56
WHAT IT COSTS TO ADVERTISE IN NEWSPAERS, 58
THE IDYL OF BATTLE HOLLOW, (Poem, Frank Bret Harte,) 59
THE OLD HOME, (Prentice Mulford,) 61
BABY FINGERS, (Poem,) 64
" GRAN'MA AL'AS DOES," (Poem,) 68
A SINGULAR CALCULATION, 68
PROVERBS, 71
MARK TWAIN IN NEW YORK, (Speech,) ; . . . 74
THE LETTER, (Poem,) - 76
AN INCIDENT OF THE FRONTIER, (Poem, Jacob Price,) 79
" HOW MOTHER DID IT," 84
THE LOCOMOTIVE, (Poem, Jacob Price,) 87
LOST TO SOCIETY— LOST, (Poem,) 88
THE GOAT, (Poem, Br. Haley, Sen.,) - - 92
MARK TWAIN'S FIRST INTERVIEW WITH ARTEMUS WARD, (Mark Twain,) - 97
WHICH SHALL IT BE? (Poem,) 99
COURTIN' (Poem, J. X. Lowell,) 113
WITH THE PRINTERS, 118
LOVE SONG, (Poem, Alexander Smith,) 119
STARTLING ACCIDENT AT FANNY FERN'S, ^-121
WOMEN IN TAHITI— A CHEERFUL PICTURE, 125
SONG OF STEAM, (Poem, Jacob Price,) 129
A LECTURE ON RATTLESNAKES, 130
ONE FOREST FIRE, (Poem, Ethel Lynn,) 133
HOW MONKEYS ARE CAPTURED, 134
A MODEL LOVE LETTER— RAPTURES OF CUPID, 138
AUNT TABITHA, (Poem, Oliver Wendell Holmes,) 143
MRS. HELPER'S PRESCRIPTION 143
JOSH BILLINGS ON GONGS, 145
WHERE SHALL THE BABY'S DIMPLE BE? (Poem,) 150
CURIOSITIES OF LIFE, x .... 154
REMARKABLE EFFECT OF AN ADVERTISEMENT, 154
SAD TALE FROM SELMA, 155
MELTING MOMENTS, 156
A DICKENS OF A ROMANCE, 157
A BEAUTIFUL CHEMICAL EXPERIMENT, 158
TWO LITTLE ROGUES, (Poem, Mrs. A. M. Diaz,) 160
POSTAGE RATES IN THE UNITED STATES, 163
MONEY ORDERS, 164
TEMBLOR MUY TERRIBLE, (Poem, W. Frank Stewart,) ....... 165
SKITTER'S TRAP, (Titus A. Brick,) 166
THE WIDOW BEDOTT'S POETRY, (Frances M. Whitcher,) 170
PROVERBS, .... ■ .... 172
SIGNS AND OMENS, 179
CELEBRATED LINIMENT, 179
CHICKEN ON THE BRAIN, 179
A THRILLING RAILROAD ACCIDENT, (Jacob Price,) - 184
A SMILING MAN, (Poem, W. F. Stewart,) 185
Alphabetical List of Advertisers.
ARTHUB, J. D. & SON 190
ATWOOD & BODWELL 100
BADGER, WM. G 192
BASER & HAMILTON 81
BALCH, H. M 38
BETTS, "WM. M., & BRO 132
B WDISBI, M. S 169
BOADLEY & RULOFSON 57
CHENERY, SOUTHER & CO 162
CHESLEY, GEO. W. & CO 161
CHURCH, T. R 96
COLLINS, J. C 94
COOK, MRS. C 140
CROCKER, H. S. & CO 118
CUBERY & CO 47
CULVER, J. H 85
DANIEL, JOHN <fe CO 60
DAY, THOS 129
DEACON <fe CO 139
DEMING, H. A 120-164
DEWEY & CO 33
EVERSON WALLACE 70
FAIRBANKS & HUTCHINSON 122
FISH, A. L 94
FRANCIS <fe VALENTINE ii
GERKE, HENRY 130
GLASGOW I. <fe M. IMPORTING CO.. 124
GODDARD <fc CO 128
HAAKE, CHAS 178
HALLIDIE, A. S 102
HANSCOM & CO 158
HAWLEY, M. C. & CO 159
HEALD'S BUSINESS COLLEGE 31
HEALY & JEWELL 37
HICKS, D. <fe CO 123
HILL, SAMUEL 151-186
HOLT, WARREN 87
HOPE, M'KILLOP <fe CO 191
HOWES, E. K. & CO 169
HUNTINGTON, F. A i-180
HUNTIWGTON, HOPKINS & CO V
KELLER, HENRY & CO 66
KIMBALL CAR MANUFAC'lNG CO.. 34
KITTREDGE, JONATHAN 86
KOHLER, CHASE & CO 17-49-182
LAKE & CO 85
LEHMAN, R. & CO 41
LIEBES, H. & CO 52
LIESENFELD, PHILLIP 65
LINFORTH, KELLOGG & CO 43
LUTHER, H. A 41
MITCHELL & BELL 117
MOOBE, H. H 145
MORGAN <fe WILSON 173
MORRIS, MRS. E 36
MORSE, GEO. D , 77
MURDOCK, C. A. & CO 145
NORCROSS, DANIEL 131
NORCROSS & CO 127
NORTON, G. A. & CO 143
NUTTING, C. & SON 29
OTTO, CHAS. & CO 140
PACIFIC INK FACTORY 150
PACIFIC OIL & LEAD WORKS 69
PACIFIC ROLLING MILLS 82
PACIFIC SAW MANUFAC'RING C0..148
PACIFIC STONE CO 95
PALMER, W. J. T. & CO 37
PEARSON, H. H 136-180
PLATE. A. J 101
PRICE PRESS COMPANY 168
ROMAN, A. & CO 48
SANBORN, VAIL <fe CO 70
SEVERANCE, A. J. & CO 132
SHERWOOD, W. F 78
SIMS, JOHN R 101
SMITH, WM 122
SPAULDING, N. W 146
STANDARD SOAP COMPANY 126
STODDART, WM. B .....89-116
STEELE, JAS.. G. & CO 27
STEIGER & BOLAND 155
TABEB, I. W 25
TOLAND MEDICAL COLLEGE 83
TRAVIS & WAGNER 42
TRUWORTBCY, F. M 183
VACUUM CURE 67
WARNER & SILSBY 73
WATKINS, C. E 155
WEED & KINGWELL 141
WEICHART, J .115
WESTLEY & DIERCK 72
WHEELER & WILSON 89-116
WILCOX, ALLEN 2*2.
WILCOX & GIBBS S. M. CO 50-135
WILSON & EVANS 87
WOOD, GEO. M 183.
Classified Business List of Advertisers.
Agricultural Hardware, page
Arthur, J. D. & Co 190
Baker & Hamilton 81
Hawley, M. C.&Co 159
Linforth, Kellogg & Co 43
Billiard Tables.
Liesenfield, Phillip 65
Bitters.
Chesley, Geo. W. & Co 161
Blacking Manufacturers.
Lake & Co 85
Bo:k Binde j s.
Hicks, D. & Co 123
Books aud Stationery.
Moore, H. H .' 145
Roman, A. & Co 48
Books (Subscription).
Keller, Henry & Co 66
Bras3 Works.
Weed & Kingwell 141
Carpets.
Mitchell & Bell 117
Carriage Springs.
Betts, Wm. M & Bro 132
Car and Carriage Manufacturers.
Kimball Car Manufac'gCo. . 34
Clothing.
Church.T.R 96
Colleges.
Heald's Business 31
Toland Medical 83
Confectioners.
Lehman, R. & Co 41
Dentists.
Luther, H. A 41
Diamond Pointed Drills.
Severance, A.J. & Co 132
Drugs and Medicines.
Steele, jas. G. & Co 27
Edge Tools, Dies, Etc.
California Tool Works 115
Peed Mills.
Bowdish, M. S 169
Foundries.
JEina Iron Works 158
Occidental 155
Pacific Iron Works 128
Furniture (Patent).
Westley & Dierck 72
Furs.
Liebes, H. & Co 52
Gas Fixtures, Pipes, Etc.
Day, Thos 129
Guns, Pistols, Etc.
Plate, A.J 101
Wilson & Evans 87
Hair Jewelry. page
Cook, Mrs. C 140
Hardware.
Baker & Hamilton 81
Hawley, M. C. & Co 159
Huntington, Hopkins & Co.. v
Linforth, Kellogg & Co 43
Olto, Chas. & Co 140
Hay Presses.
Price Press Company 168
Hats and Caps.
Collins, J. C 94
Hotels.
Cosmopolitan 136-180
Inks.
Pacific Ink Factory 150
Insurance Companies.
Knickerbocker Life 131
New England Mutual Life . . 70
Iron and Steel.
Glasgow I. & M. I. Co 124
Huntington, Hopkins & Co. . v
Pacific Rolling Mills 82
Iron Doors and Shutters.
Sims, J. R 101
Machinists.
Deacon & Co 139
Huntington, F.A i-180
Marble Workers.
Daniel, John & Co 60
Mercantile Agencies.
Hope, McKillop & Co 191
Military Goods, Regalia, Etc.
Norcross & Co 127
Millstones.
Travis & Wagner 42
Musical Instruments.
Badger, Wm. G 192
Balch, H. M 38
Kohler, Chase & Co . . 17-49-182
Oculists.
Morgan & Wilson 173
Oils and Lead.
Pacific Oil and Lead Works. 6g
Oysters.
Haake, Chas 178
Paints.
Averill Chemical Paint Co.. 37
Patent Agencies.
Dewey & Co 33
Photographers.
Bradley & Rulofson 57
Morse, Geo. D 77
Taber, I.W 25
Watkins, C. E 153
Picture Frames, Mouldings, Etc.
Sanborn, Vail & Co 70
Printers. page
Crocker, H. S. & Co 118
Cubery & Co 47
Francis & Valentine ii
Murdock, C. A. & Co 145
Pumps.
Atwood & Bod well 100
Fish, A. L 94
Rope Moulding.
Culver.J. H 8
Safes.
Kittredge, Jonnathan 86
Sims, John R lor
Saws and Saw Teeth.
Pacific Saw Manufac'g Co.. .148
Spaulding, N. W 146
Scales.
Fairbanks & Hutchinson 122
School and Office Furniture.
Holt, Warren 87
Palmer, W. J. T. & Co 37
Sewing Machines.
Florence S. M. Co 151-186
Howe S. M. Co 120-164
Manhattan S. M. Co 78
Wheeler & W. S. M. Co.. 89-116
Wilcox & Gibbs S. M. Co... 50
Wilson S.M. Co 143
Shirts.
Morris, Mrs. E 36
Soaps.
Standard Soap Co 126
Springs (Spiral).
Warner & Silsby 73
Stencils, Door Plates, Etc.
Truworthy, F. M 183
Wood, Geo. M 183
Stone" (Artificial).
Pacific Stone Co 95
Tanks.
Atwood & Bodwell 100
Vacuum Cure 67
Water Closets.
Smith, Wm 122
Water Lifters.
Wilcox, Allen 22
Wheelbarrows.
Nutting, C. & Son 29
.Windmills.
Atwood & Bodwell 100
Wire Ropes, Etc.
Hallidie, A. S 102
Wood and Willow Ware.
Howes, E. K. & Co 169
Wines and Liquors.
Chenery, Souther & Co 162
Gerke, Henry 130
<-*-
■an
BRYANT & STRATTON
liiiKii
follege Building, S4 Post Mrctft
Between Montgomery and Kearny Streets,
E. P. HEAZD, President. ) SAW mAWFT^Wifc
P. C. WOODBURY, Secretary. f mM.&J £ Si-4kJ^] %fAmfk -W'j
The LEADING INSTITUTE of BUSINESS TRAINING on the PACIFIC COAST.
BRANCHES TAUGHT:
Single and Double Entry Book-Keeping,
Plain and Ornamental Penmanship,
Commercial Arithmetic,
Business Correspondence,
Mercantile Law.
Political Economy.
Actual Business.
Merchandising,
Insurance,
Banking,
Mechanical Drawing, Custom House Business.
Modern Languages, Real Estate,
Higher Mathematics, Telegraphy.
Phonography.
Railroading.
Surveying,
Brokerage.
Exchange,
Jobbing.
Mining,
Commission,
Importing,
Forwarding,
Grammar,
Rhetoric,
Reading.
Spelling
«-$"
Crocker & Co's print, cot. Sansomc and Sacramento.
=3Bes©S£©tes==~
A Practical Education is valuable to the Farmer. Mechanic, and Lawyer, as well as to the
Merchant and Banker. The demand of the times is for BU8IWJ38S MEN in every profession
and calling. _ No young man can afford to do without a good, thorough Business training, and for
acquiring this there is no other school on the Pacific slope that can compare with
It is first-class in all its Departments. It is
far the largest Business College on the coast-
It is the only School in San Francisco that
makes a Business Education its distinct and
separate specialty. Lts Teachers are compe-
tent and experienced. Its Pupils are from the
best class of young men in the State. 'It is
under the very best discipline. Its Scholar-
ships are good in thirty -six Colleges. It
employs three of the best Penmen in the State.
It has the largest rooms, the largest attendance,
and the most complete system of Business train-
ing of any commercial school on the Pacific.
THE SCHOLARSHIPS
Of Heald's Business College are good in the thirty-six Schools of the International Business
College Association, or Bryant & Stratton Chain. This affords their holders a Business
acquaintance in all the leading commercial cities of the United States and Canada.
OUR COURSE OF INSTRUCTION
Is far more thorough and extensive than that which any other institution can offer the public.
The Student Days, Sells, Ships, Darters, Consigns, Discounts, Insures, Draws Checks,
Notes, and Drafts, Gives Leases, Deeds, etc., and goes through the entire routine of actual
business. He becomes acquainted with changing books from Single to Double Entry, and vice
versa, and also with Joint Stock and Partnership Books, and every form and style of Book-Keeping
practiced in well-regulated Business Houses.
JOBBING, IMPORTING, COMMISSION, AND BANKING,
Are carried on with the Students of the other Colleges in the Association, thus fully illustrating the
methods of carrying on Business and Keeping Books when there are different currencies. The
Pupil becomes familiar with all the calculations and entries connected with Legal Tender and Gold
transactions.
THE SCHOOL-ROOM AND COUNTING-ROOM
Are united upon a plan that secures to the Student all the practical advantages of each. There is
in operation a Banking House, with Checks, Drafts, Nores, Bills- of Exchange, Certificates, of
Deposit, etc., fully illustrating the Banking business. The School-room is elegantly fitted up with
Merchandising, Jobbing, and Importing Emporiums,
General and National Banking Offices,
Commission, Forwarding, Real Estate,
Insurance, Express, and Post Offices.
LADIES' DEPARTMENT. — Quite a large number of
Ladies are id attendance, both in the Business Department
and in the Telegraphic Institute of the College. Their
success in both Departments has been flattering to them-
selves and to tae School. Ladies wishing to fit themselves,
In a thorough manner, for positions as Clerks, Cashiers,
Copyists, liook-Kecpers, or Telegraph Operators, will find
the very best facilities at
'S^£l PosfsfSitV^
YOUNG MEN AND LADIES
Wishing to prepare themselves for the practical duties of life, will find this to bo the School. Pupils
learn just what they will use to accomplish success, and do not meddle with superfluous studios.
Each Student receives separate instruction, andean thus advance as rapidly as desired, not being
kept back by those more deficient. All persons passing the final Examination in a satisfactory
manner will receive our finely engraved Graduating Diploma. Graduates of this College are in
demand among Business Men, and can readily find good positions. Such as are in good standing
are assisted in obtaining situations, if desired.
MfBWIW ilA-Il
m mf
While Theory is valuable for acquiring a
not be depended upon for learning the details
execution. The expert Accountant must be fa
be able to work rapidly and correctly. Pract
instruction at .
College Building, 24 Post Street,
SSiiri I^rsiiicisco.
knowledge of the principles of Business, it alone car
of Mercantile transactions, or for gaining rapidity ot
miliar with all tho technicalities of business, and alsc
ice alone makes perfect, and this is made the basis oi
The Student buys and sells Groceries, Produce,
Hardware, Dry Goods, etc., for Cash, Notes, Drafts.
Orders, or on Credit. He imports and exports Mei^
chandise of all kinds ; ships and receives consign-
ments of goods to be sold on commission, or joint
account: procures insurance; buys and sells Real
Estate, Mining Stocks, Bank Stocks, etc. ; corre-
sponds with other business firms ; makes his depos-
its, keeping a regular 'bank account; gives and
receives checks, certificates of deposit, etc., and
computes all the calculations connected with his
transactions.
OUR BUSINESS COURSE
Ife especially adapted to the wants of young and middle-aged men, who wish to prepare for tti
active duties of life, whether as book-keepers, salesmen, merchants, bankers, professional men, at
even farmers or mechanics.
THEORY AND PRACTICE
Are combined in such a manner as to make each a powerful help to tho other. Wo have consulted
the wants of tho great masses, and arranged our course accordingly. Theory and Practice, properly
combined, constitute tho only course of business training that can bo relied upon. By thoroughly
mastering both branches, the Student is fitted to onter at once upon tho duties of a Book-keeper ot
Accountant, with skill and confidence.
SESSIONS CONTINUE DAY AND EVENING.
Clerks, Mechanics, and others, engaged during business hours, can secure a sound Mercantile
Education by attending evenings only. There aro no class systems to keep the pupil back. Each
can advance as rapidly as desired. No particular ago or degree of advancement is required to enter
tho College. We have in operation a
PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT,
Whero all tho branches of an ordinary English education are taught, for those who are too young,
or not sufficiently advanced for tho Business Course. Visitors are always welcome at tho College.
Scholarships for tho full Business Course, good throughout tho Association of thirty-six Collofjrs
with privilege of reviewing at pleasure, §7.3.
The full Business Course comprises over Fifty Differ
ent Sets of Books, and forms one of the most
Thorough and Comprehensive Courses
of Instruction ever introduced into
any Business College in
the Country.
FURTHER INFORMATION— Young men and
young ladies should obtain full particulars
regarding this useful Institute of Practical
Education. Kow is tho time to get an educa-
tion. Use tho present, and you can trust in
the future. Competent persons are wanted in
all departments of industry. In orderto learn
all about this School, send for
HEALD'S COLLEGE JOUEUAL
Is issued monthly, by tho College and contains full particulars regarding the Course of Stu
is, etc. ; also, a large amount, of interesting vending. It can be obtained, free of eh - ,.
i at tho Collcgo Office, ii Post Street, or by addres
President Business College,
SAN FRANCISCO CAL.
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SELECTIONS.
THE LUCK OF ROARING CAMP.
fHis popular sketch of early California life, by Bret Harte, was first
published in one of the earlier numbers of the Overland Monthly, and
did much to draw public attention to this highly appreciated magazine.
It met with great favor in England, and a prominent review in that country
said of it, that they c§uld see no reason why " The Luck of Roaring
Camp" should not be considered the best sketch of frontier life that had
been published up to that time :
There was commotion in Roaring Camp. It could not have been a fight,
for in 1850 that was not novel enough to have called together the entire
settlement. The ditches and claims were not only deserted, but " Turtle's
grocery " had contributed its gamblers, who, it will be remembered, calmly
continued their game the day that French Pete and Kanaka Joe shot each
other to death over the bar in the front room. The whole camp was col-
lected before a rude cabin on the outer edge of the clearing. Conversation
was carried on in a low tone, but the name of a woman was frequently
repeated. It was a name familiar enough in the camp — " Cherokee Sal."
Perhaps the less said of her the better. She was a coarse, and, it is to
be feared, a very sinful woman. But at that time she was the only woman
in Roaring Camp, and was just then lying in sore extremity, when she
most needed the ministration of her own sex. Dissolute, abandoned, and
irreclaimable, she was yet suffering a martyrdom hard enough to bear
even when veiled by sympathizing womanhood, but now terrible in her
loneliness. The primal curse had come to her in that original isolation
which must have made the punishment of the first transgression so dread-
ful. It was, perhaps, part of the expiation of her sin, that, at a moment
when she most lacked her sex's intuitive tenderness and care, she met only
the half contemptuous faces of masculine associates. Yet a few of the
spectators were, I think, touched by her sufferings. Sandy Tipton thought
it was "rough on Sal," and, in the contemplation of her condition, for a
moment rose superior to the fact that he had an ace and two bowers in his
sleeve.
It will be seen, also, that the situation was novel. Deaths were by
1
2 THE LUCK OF ROARING CAMP.
no means uncommon in Roaring Camp, but a birth was a new thing.
People had been dismissed the camp effectively, finally, and with no
possibility of return; but this was the first time that anybody had been
introduced ab initio. Hence the excitement.
"You go in there, Stumpy," said a prominent citizen, known as
"Kentuck," addressing one of the loungers. "Go in there, and see what
you can do. You've had experience in them things."
Perhaps there was a fitness in the selection. Stumpy, in other climes,
had been the putative head of two families; in fact, it was owing to some
legal informality in these proceedings that Roaring Camp — a city of reluge
— was indebted to his company. The crowd approved of the choice, and
Stumpy was wise enough to bow to the majority. The door closed on the
extempore surgeon and midwife, and Roaring Camp sat down outside,
smoked its pipe, and awaited the issue.
The assemblage numbered about a hundred men. One or two of these
were actual fugitives from justice, some were criminal, and all were
reckless. Physically, they exhibited no indication of their past lives and
character. The greatest scamp had a Raphael face, with a profusion of
blond hair; Oakhurst, a gambler, had the melancholy air and intellectual
abstraction of a Hamlet; the coolest and most courageous man was scarcely
over five feet in height, with a soft voice and an embarrassed timid
manner. The term "roughs," applied to them, was a distinction rather
than a definition. Perhaps in the minor details *f fingers, toes, ears, etc.,
the camp may have been deficient, but these slight omissions did not
detract from their aggregate force. The strongest man had but three
fingers on his right hand; the best shot had but one eye.
Such was the physical aspect of the men that were dispersed around the
cabin. The camp lay in a triangular valley, between two hills and a river.
The only outlet was a steep trail over the summit of a hill that faced the
cabin, now illuminated by the rising moon. The suffering woman might
have seen it from the rude bunk whereon she lay — seen it winding like a
silver thread until it was lost in the stars above.
A fire of withered pine-boughs added sociability to the gathering. By
degrees the natural levity of Roaring Camp returned. Bets were freely
offered and taken regarding the result. Three to five that " Sal would get
through with it;" even that the child would survive; side bets as to the
sex and complexion of the corning stranger. In the midst of an excited
discussion an exclamation came from those nearest the door, and the camp
stopped to listen. Above the swaying and mOanings of the pines, the
swil rush of the river, and the crackling of the fire, rose a sharp,
querulous cry — a cry unlike anything heard before in the camp. The
pines stopped moaning, the river ceased to rush, and the fire to crackle.
It seemed as if Nature had stopped to listen too.
The camp rose to its feet as one man ! It was proposed to explode a
barrel of gunpowder, but in consideration of the situation of the mother,
better counsels prevailed, and only a few revolvers were discharged; for,
whether ow~ing to the rude surgery of the camp, or some other reason,
" Cherokee Sal " was sinking fast. Within an hour she had climbed, as it
were, that rugged road that led to the stars, and so passed out of Roaring
Camp, its sin and shame forever. I do not think that the announcement
THE LUCK OF ROARING CAMP. 6
disturbed them much, except in speculation as to the fate of the child.
"Can he live now?" was asked of Stumpy. The answer was doubtful.
The only other being of "Cherokee Sal's" sex and maternal condition in
the settlement was an ass. There was some conjecture as to fitness, but the
experiment was tried. It was less problematical than the ancient treat-
ment of Romulus and Remus, and apparently as successful.
When these details were completed, which exhausted another hour,
the door was opened, and the anxious crowd of men, who had already
formed themselves into a queue, entered in a single file. Beside the low
bunk or shelf on which the figure of the mother was starkly outlined
below the blankets, stood a pine table; on this a candle-box was placed,
and within it, swathed in staring red flannel, lay the last arrival at Roaring
Camp. Beside the candle-box was placed a hat. Its use was soon indi-
cated. " Gentlemen," said Stumpy, with a singular mixture of authority and
ex officio complacency — " Gentlemen will please pass in at the front door,
round the table and out at the back door. Them as wishes to contribute
anything toward the orphan will find a hat handy." The first man entered
with his hat on; he uncovered, however, as he looked about him, and so,
unconsciously, set an example, to the next. In such communities good
and bad actions are catching. As the procession filed in, comments were
audible — criticisms addressed, perhaps rather to Stumpy, in the character
of showman — " Is that him?" " Mighty small specimen." " Hasn't mor'n
got the color." " Ain't bigger nor a derringer." The contributions wera
as characteristic : A silver tobacco-box ; a doubloon ; a navy revolver, silver-
mounted; a gold specimen; a very beautifully embroidered lady's hand-
kerchief (from Oakhurst the gambler); a diamond breastpin; a diamond
ring (suggested by the pin, with the remark from the giver that he " saw
that pin and went two diamonds better "); a slungshot; a bible (contributor
not detected); a golden spur; a silver teaspoon (the initials, I regret to say,
were not the giver's); a pair of surgeon's shears; a lancet; a Bank of Eng-
land note for £5; and about $200 in loose gold and silver coin. During
these proceedings Stumpy maintained a silence as impassive as the dead on
his left, a gravity as inscrutable as that of the newly born on his right.
Only one incident occurred to break the monotony of the curious procession.
As Kentuck bent over the candle-box half curiously, the child turned, and,
in a spasm of pain, caught at his groping finger, and held it fast for a
moment. Kentuck looked foolish and embarrassed. Something like a
blush tried to assert itself in his weather-beaten cheek. " The d d little
cuss!" he said, as he extricated his finger, with, perhaps, more tenderness
and care than he might have been deemed capable of showing. He held
that finger a little apart from its fellows as he went out, and examined it
curiously. The examination provoked the same original remark in regard
to the child. In fact, he seemed to enjoy repeating it. "He rastled with
my finger," he remarked to Tipton, holding up the member, "the d d
little cuss !"
It was four o'clock before the camp sought repose. A light burnt in
the cabin where the watchers sat, for Stumpy did not go to bed that night,
nor did Kentuck. He drank quite freely, and related with great gusto his
experience, invariably ending with his characteristic condemnation of the
new-comer. It seemed to relieve him of any unjust implication of
4 THE LUCK OF ROARING CAMP.
sentiment, and Kentuck had the weakness of the nobler sex. When
everybody else had gone to bed, he walked down to the river, and whistled
reflectingly. Then he walked up the gulch, past the cabin, still whistling
with demonstrative unconcern. At a large redwood tree he paused and
retraced his steps, and again passed the cabin. Half-way down to the
river's bank he again paused, and then returned and knocked at the door.
It was opened by Stumpy. " How goes it ?" said Kentuck, looking past
Stumpy, toward the candle-box. "All serene," replied Stumpy. " Any-
thing up?" "Nothing." There was a pause — an embarrassing one —
Stumpy still holding the door. Then Kentuck had recourse to his finger,
which he held up to Stumpy. " Rastled with it — the d — d little cuss," he
said, and retired.
The next day "Cherokee Sal " had such rude sepulture as Roaring Camp
afforded. After her body had been committed to the hillside, there was a
formal meeting of the camp to discuss what should be done with her
infant. A resolution to adopt it was unanimous and enthusiastic. But an
animated discussion in regard to the manner and feasibility of providing
for its wants at once sprung up. It was remarkable that the argument
partook of none of those fierce personalities with which discussions were
usually conducted at Roaring Camp. Tipton proposed that they should
send the child to Red Dog — a distance of forty miles — where female atten-
tion could be procured. But the unlucky suggestion met with fierce and
unanimous opposition. It was evident that no plan which entailed parting
from their new acquisition would for a moment be entertained. " Besides,"
.said Tom Ryder, " them fellows at Red Dog would swap it, and ring in
somebody else on us." A disbelief in the honesty of other camps pre-
vailed at Roaring Camp as in other places.
The introduction of a female nurse in camp also met with objection. It
was argued that no decent woman could be prevailed to accept Roaring
Camp as her home, and the speaker urged that "they didn't want any
more of the other kind." This unkind illusion to the defunct mother,
harsh as it may seem, was the first spasm of propriety — the first symptom
of the camp's regeneration. Stumpy advanced nothing. Perhaps he felt a
certain delicacy in interfering with the selection of a possible successor in
office. But when questioned, he averred stoutly that he and "Jinny" —
the mammal before alluded to — could manage to rear the child. There
was something original, independent, and heroic about the plan that
pleased the camp. Stumpy was retained. Certain articles were sent for to
Sacramento. " Mind," said the treasurer, as he pressed a bag of gold dust
into the expressman's hand, "the best that can be got — lace, you know,
and filigree-work and frills — d — m the cost !"
Strange to say, the child thrived. Perhaps the invigorating climate of
the mountain camp was compensation for material deficiencies. Nature
took the foundling to her broader breast. In that rare atmosphere of the
Sierra foothills^that air pungent with balsamic odor, that ethereal cordial
at once bracing and exhilarating — he may have found food and nourish-
ment, or a subtle chemistry that transmuted asses' milk to lime and
phosphorus. Stumpy inclined to the belief that it was the latter and good
nursing. " Me and that ass," he would say, " has been father and mother
THE LUCK OF ROAKING CAMP. 5
to him ! " Don't you," he would add, apostrophizing the helpless bundle
before him, " never go back on us."
By the time he was a month old, the necessity of giving him a name
became apparent. He had generally been known as the " Kid," " Stumpy's
boy," the "Cayote," (an allusion to his vocal powers), and even by Ken-
tuck's endearing diminutive of " the d — d little cuss." But these were felt
to be vague and unsatisfactory, and were at last dismissed under another
influence. Gamblers and adventurers are generally superstitious, and Oak-
hurst one day declared that the baby had brought "the luck" to Roaring
Camp. It was certain that of late they had been successful. " Luck " was
the name agreed upon, with the prefix of Tommy for greater convenience.
No illusion was made to the mother, and the father was unknown. » It's
better," said the philosophical Oakhurst, " to take a fresh deal all round.
Call him < Luck,' and start him fair." A day was accordingly set apart for
the christening. What was meant by this ceremony the reader may imag-
ine, who has already gathered some idea of the reckless irreverence of
Roaring Camp. The master of ceremonies was one "Boston," a noted
wag, and the occasion seemed to promise the greatest facetiousness. This
ingenious satirist had spent two days in preparing a burlesque of the
church service, with pointed local allusions. The choir was properly
trained, and Sandy Tipton was to stand godfather. But after the proces-
sion had marched to the grove with music and banners, and the child had
been deposited before a mock altar, Stumpy stepped before the expectant
crowd. " It ain't my style to spoil fun, boys," said the little man, stoutly,
eyeing the faces around him, " biit it strikes me that this thing ain't exactly
on the squar'. It's playing it pretty low down on this yer baby to ring in
fun on him that he ain't going to understand. And ef there's going to be
any godfathers round, I'd like to see who's got any better rights than me."
A silence followed Stumpy's speech. To the credit of all humorists be it
said, that the first man to acknowledge its justice was the satirist, thus
stopped of his fun. "But," said Stumpy, quickly, following up his
advantage, " we're here for a christening, and we'll have it. I proclaim you
Thomas Luck, according to the laws of the United States and the State of
California, so help me God." It was the first time that the name of the
Deity had been uttered otherwise than profanely in the camp. The form
of christening was perhaps even more ludicrous than the satirist had con-
ceived; but, strangely enough, nobody saw it and nobody laughed.
"Tommy" was christened as seriously as he would have been under a
Christian roof, and cried and was comforted in as orthodox fashion.
And so the work of regeneration began in Roaring Camp. Almost
imperceptibly a change came over the settlement. The cabin assigned to
" Tommy Luck " — or " The Luck," as he was more frequently called — first
showed signs of improvement. It was kept scrupulously clean and white-
washed. Then it was boarded, clothed, and papered. The rosewood cradle
packed eighty miles by mule — had, in Stumpy's way of putting it, " sorter
killed the rest of the furniture." So the rehabilitation of the cabin became
a necessity. The men who were in the habit of lounging in at Stumpy's
to see " how ' The Luck ' got on " seemed to appreciate the change, and, in
self-defense, the rival establishment of " Tuttle's grocery " bestirred itself,
and imported a carpet and mirrors. The reflections of the latter on the
6 THE LUCK OF ROARING CAMP.
appearance of Roaring Camp tended to produce stricter habits of personal
cleanliness. Again, Stumpy imposed a kind of quarantine upon those who
aspired to the honor and privilege of holding "The Luck." It was a cruel
mortification to Kentuck — who, in the carelessness of a large nature and
the habits of frontier life, had begun to regard all garments as a second
cuticle, which, like a snake's, only sloughed off through decay — to be
debarred this privilege from certain prudential reasons. Yet such was the
subtle influence of innovation that he thereafter appeared regularly every
afternoon in a clean shirt, and face still shining from his ablutions. Nor
were moral and social sanitary laws neglected. "Tommy," who was sup-
posed to spend his whole existence in a persistent attempt to repose, must
not be disturbed by noise. The shouting and yelling which had gained
the camp its infelicitous title were not permitted within hearing distance of
Stumpy's. The men conversed in whispers, or smoked with Indian gravity.
Profanity was tacitly given up in these sacred precincts, and through-
out the camp a popular form of expletive, know as " D — n the luck !" and
" Curse the luck !" was abandoned, as having a new personal bearing.
Vocal music was not interdicted, being supposed to have a soothing, tran-
quilizing quality, and one song, sung by " Man-o'-War Jack," an English
sailor, from her Majesty's Australian colonies, was quite popular as a lul-
laby. It was a lugubrious recital of the exploits of " the Arethusa, Seven-
ty-four," in a muffled minor, ending with a prolonged dying fall at the
burden of each verse, " On b-o-o-o-ard of the Arethusa." It was a fine
sight to see Jack holding ' The Luck,' rocking from side to side as if with the
motion of a ship, and crooning forth this naval ditty. Either through the
peculiar rocking of Jack or the length of his song — it contained ninety
stanzas, and was -continued with conscientious deliberation to the bitter end
— the lullaby generally had the desired effect. At such times the men
would lie at full length under the trees, in the soft summer twilight,
smoking their pipes and drinking in the melodious utterances. An
indistinct idea that this was pastoral happiness pervaded the camp. "This
'ere kind o' think," said the Cockney Simmons, meditatively reclining on
his elbow, "is 'evingly." It reminded him of Greenwich.
On the long summer days " The Luck " was usually carried to the gulch,
from whence the golden store of Roaring Camp was taken. There, on a
blanket spread over pine-boughs, he would lie while the men were working
in the ditches below. Latterly, there was a rude attempt to decorate this
bower with flowers and sweet-smelling shrubs, and generally some one
would bring him a cluster of wild honeysuckles, azelias, or the painted
blossoms of Las Mariposas. The men had suddenly awakened to the fact
that there were beauty and significance in these trifles, which they had so
long trodden carelessly beneath their feet. A flake of glittering mica, a
fragment of variegated quartz, a bright pebble from the bed of the creek,
became beautiful to eyes thus cleared and strengthened, and were invari-
ably put aside for " The Luck." It was wonderful how many treasures the
woods and hillsides yielded that " would do for Tommy." Surrounded by
playthings such as never child out of fairy-land had before, it is to be
hoped that Tommy was content. He appeared to be securely happy, albeit
there was an infantine gravity about him, a contemplative light in his
round gray eyes, that sometimes worried Stumpy. He was always tracta-
THE LUCK OF ROARING CAMP. 7
ble and quiet, and it is recorded that once, having crept beyond his " cor-
ral " — a hedge of tesselated pine-boughs, which surrounded his bed — he
dropped over the bank on his head in the soft earth, and remained with his
mottled legs in the air in that position for at least five minutes with
unflinching gravity. He was extracted without a murmur. I hesitate to
record the many other instances of his sagacity, which rest, unfortunately,
upon the statements of prejudiced friends. Some of them were not with-
out a tinge of superstition. " I crep' up the bank just now," said Kentuck
one day, in a breathless state of excitement, "and dern my skin if he
wasn't a talking to a jaybird as was a sittin' on his lap. There they was,
just as free and sociable as anything you please, a jawin' at each other just
like two cherry-bums." Howbeit, whether creeping over the pine-boughs
or lying lazily on his back blinking at the leaves above him; to him the
birds sang, the scmirrels chattered, and the flowers- bloomed. Nature was
his nurse and playfellow. For him she would let slip between the leaves
golden shafts of sunlight that fell just within his grasp; she would send
wandering breezes to visit him with the balm of bay and resinous gums;
to him the tall red-woods nodded familiarly and sleepily; the .bumble-
bees buzzed, and the rooks cawed a slumbrous accompaniment.
Such was the golden summer of Roaring Camp. They were " flush
times "-^and the " Luck " was with them. The claims had yielded enor-
mously. The camp was jealous of its privileges and look suspiciously on
strangers. No encouragement was given to immigration, and, to make
their seclusion more perfect, the land on either side of the mountain wall
that surrounded the camp they duly pre-empted. This, and a reputation
for singular proficiency with the revolver, kept the reserve of Roaring
Camp inviolate. The expressman — their only connecting link with the
surrounding world — sometimes told wonderful stories of the camp. He
would say : " They've a street up there in ' Roaring,' that would lay over
any street in Red Dog. Thej^'ve got vines and flowers round their houses,
and they Avash themselves twice a day. But they'r mighty rough on
strangers, and they worship an Ingin baby."
With the prosperity of the camp came a desire for further improvement.
It was proposed to build a hotel in the following spring, and to invite one
or two decent families to reside therefor the sake of "The Luck" — who
might perhaps profit by female companionship. The sacrifice that this
concession to the sex cost these men, who were fiercely sceptical in regard
to its general virtue and usefulness, can only be accounted for by their
affection for Tommy. A few still held out. But the resolve could not be
carried into effect for three months, and the minority meekly yielded in
the hope that something might turn up to prevent it. And it did.
The winter of 1851 will long be remembered in the foot-hills. The snow
lay deep on the Sierras, and every mountain creek became a river, and
every river a lake. Each gorge and gulch was transformed into a tumul-
tuous watercourse, that descended the hillsides, tearing down giant trees
and scattering its drift and debris along the plain. Red Dog had been
twice under water, and Roaring Camp had been forewarned. " Water put
the gold into them gulches," said Stumpy. " It's been here once and will
be here again !" And that night the North Fork suddenly leaped over its
banks, and swept up the triangular valley of Roaring Cainp.
8
IN THE TUNNEL.
In the confusion of rushing water, crushing trees, and crackling
timber, and the darkness which seemed to flow with the water and blot out
the fair valley, but little could be done to collect the scattered camp.
When the morning broke, the cabin of Stumpy nearest the river-bank was
gone. Higher up the gulch they found the body of its unlucky owner;
but the pride, the hope, the joy, the "Luck" of Roaring Camp had
disappeared. They were returning with sad hearts, when a shout from the
bank recalled them.
It was a relief boat from down the river. They had picked up, they
said, a man and an infant, nearly exhausted, about two miles below. Did
anybody know them, and did they belong here ?"
It needed but a glance to show them Kentuck lying there, cruelly
crushed and bruised, but still holding the "Luck" of Roaring Camp in
his arms. As they bent over the strangely assorted pair, they saw that
the child was cold and pulseless. "He is dead," said one. Kentuck
opened his eyes. " Dead ?" he repeated feebly. " Yes, my man, and you
are dying too." A smile lit the eyes of the expiring Kentuck. "Dying,"
he repeated, "he's a taking me with him — tell the boys I've got the
< Duck ' with me now;" and the strong man, clinging to the frail babe as a
drowning man is said to cling to a straw, drifted away into the shadowy
river that flows forever to the unknown sea.
IN THE TUNNEL.
BY FEAjNTK BEET HAETE.
Didn't know Flynn ? —
Flynn of "Virginia —
Long as he's been 'yar
Look'ee here, stranger,
Whar hev you been ?
Here in this tunnel
He was rny pardner—
That same Tom Flynn.
Working together,
In wind and weather,
Day out and in.
Didn't know Flynn !
Well — that is queer —
Why it's a sin
To think of Tom Flynn;
Tom with his cheer,
Tom without fear —
Stranger, look 'yar !
Thar in the drift,
Back to the wall,
He held the timbers
Ready to fall;
Then in the darkness
I heard him call;
" Run for your life, Jake !
Run for your wife's sake !
Don't wait for me."
And that was all
Heard in the din
Heard of Tom Flynn,
Flynn of Virginia.
That's all about
Flynn of Virginia.
That lets me out.
Here in the damp —
Out of the sun —
That 'ar derned lamp
Makes my eyes run
Well, there — I'm done !
But, sir, when you'll
Hear the next fool
Asking of Flynn —
Flynn of Virginia,
Just you chip in,
Say you knew Flynn;
Say that you've been 'yar.
— From the Overland Monthly.
JUMPIXG FROG OF CALAVERAS COUNTY. 9
THE CELEBRATED JUMPING FROG OF CALAVERAS COUNTY.
fHE following ludicrous yarn was among the first written by that
remarkable humorist, Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens), and had
probably more to do with attracting public attention in California to
his drollery, than any other article from his pen. If any person can
contemplate the ludicrous discomfiture of "thish-yer Smiley,'.' when his
frog was anchored to floor by the device of the wicked stranger, without
laughing in spite of him or herself, they may set it down that they are
differently constituted from the majority of mankind :
Simon Wheeler backed me into a corner, and blockaded me there with
his chair, and then sat me down and reeled off the monotonous narrative
which follows this paragraph. He never smiled, he never ' frowned, he
never changed his voice from the gentle flowing key to which' he tuned
the initial sentence, he never betrayed the slighest suspicion of enthu-
siasm; but all through the interminable narrative there ran a vein of
impressive earnestness and sincerity, which showed me plainly that, so
far from his imagining that there was anything ridiculous or funny about
his story, he regarded it as a really important matter, and admired its two
heroes as men of transcendent genius in finesse. To me, the spectacle of a
man drifting serenely along through such a queer yarn without ever
smiling, was exquisitely absurd. As I said before, I asked him to tell me
what he knew of Rev. Leonidas W. Smiley, and he replied as follows. I
let him go on in his own way, and never interrupted him once :
There was a feller here once by the name of Jim Smiley, in the winter
of '49 — or may be it was the spring of '50 — I don't recollect exactly,
somehow, though what makes me think it was one or the other is because
I remember the big flume wasn't finished when he first came to the camp;
but anyway he was the curiousest man about, always betting on anything
that turned up you ever see, if he could get anybody to bet on the other
side; and if he couldn't, he'd change sides. Any way that suited the other
man would suit him — any way just so's he got a bet, he was satisfied. But
still he was lucky, uncommon lucky; he most always come out winner.
He was always ready and laying for a chance; there couldn't be no solitry
thing mentioned but that feller'd offer to bet on it, and take any side you
please, as I was just telling you. If there was a horse race, you'd find
him flush, or you'd find him busted at the- end of it; if there was a dog
fight, he'd bet on it; if there was a cat fight, he'd bet on it; if there was a
chicken fight, he'd bet on it? why, if there was two birds setting on a fence,
he would bet you which one would fly first; or if there was a camp meeting,
he would be there reg'lar to bet on Parson Walker, which he judged to be
the best exhorter about here, and so he was, too, and a good man. If he
ever seen a straddlebug start to go anywheres, he would bet you how long
it would take him to get wherever he was going to, and if you took him
up, he would f oiler that straddlebug to Mexico but what he would find
out where he was bound for, and piow long he was on the road. Lots of
10 JUMPING FROG OF CALAVERAS COUNTY.
the boys here has seen that Smiley, and can tell you about him. Why, it
never made no difference to him — he would bet on am/thing — the dangdest
feller. Parson Walker's wife laid very sick once, for a good while, and it
seemed as if they warn't going to save her; but one morning he came in,
and Smiley asked how she was, and he said she was considerable better
— thank the Lord for his inf nit mercy — and coming on so smart that, with
the blessing of Prov'dence she'd get well yet; and Smiley before he
thought, says, " Well, I'll risk two and a-half that she don't, anyway."
Thish-yer Smiley had a mare — the boys called her the fifteen minute
nag, but that was only in fun, you know, because, of course, she was
faster than that — and he used to win money on that horse, for all she was
so slow and always had the asthma, or the distemper, or the consumption,
or something of that kind. They used to give her two or three hundred
yards start, and then pass her under way; but always at the fag-end of the
race she'd get excited and desperate-like, and come cavorting and
straddling up, and scattering her legs around limber, sometimes in the
air, and sometimes out to one side amongst the fences, and kicking up
m-o-r-e dust, and raising m-o-r-e racket with her coughing and sneezing
and blowing her nose — and always letch n^> at the stand just about a neck
ahead, as near as you could cipher it down.
And he had a little small bull pup, that to look at him you'd think he
wan't worth a cent, but to set around and look ornery, and lay for a chance
to steal something. But as soon as money was put up on him, he was
a different dog; his under jaw'd begin to stick out like the fo'castle of a
steamboat, and his teeth would uncover and shine savage like the furnaces.
And a dog might tackle him, and bullyrag him, and bite him, and throw
• him over his shoulder two or three times, and Andrew Jackson — which
Avas the name of the pup — would never let on but what he was satisfied,
and hadn't expected nothing else — and the bets being doubled and doubled
and doubled on the other side all the time, till the money was all up; and
then all of a sudden he would grab that other dog jest by the j'int of his
hind leg and freeze to it — not chaw, you understand, but only jest grip
and hang on till they throwed up the sponge, if it was a year. Smiley
always come out winner on that pup, till he harnessed a dog once that
didn't have no hind legs, because they'd been sawed off by a circular saw,
and when the thing had gone along far enough, and the money was all up,
and he come to make a snatch for his pet holt, he saw in a minute how
he'd been imposed on, and how the other dog had him in the door, so to
speak, and he 'peared surprised, and then he looked sorter discouraged
like, and didn't try no more to win the fight, and so he got shucked out
bad. He give Smiley a look, as much as to say his heart was broke, and
it was his fault, for putting up a dog that hadn't no hind legs for him to
take holt of, which was his main dependence in a fight, and then he
limped off a piece and laid down and died. It was a good pup, was that
Andrew Jackson, and would have made a name for hisself if he'd lived,
for the stuff was in him, and he had genius — I know it, because he hadn't
had no opportunities to speak of, and it don't stand to reason that a dog
could make such a fight as he could under them circumstances, if he
hadn't no talent. It always makes me feel sorry when I think of that
last fight of his'n, and the way it turned out.
JUMPING FROG OF CALAVERAS COUNTY. 11
Well, thisb-yer Smiley had rat tarriers, and chicken cocks, and torn
cats, and all them kind of things, till you couldn't rest, and you couldn't
fetch nothing for him to bet on but he'd match you. He ketched a frog
one day, and took him home, and said he cal'klated to edercate him; and
so he never done nothing for three months but set in his back yard and
learn that frog to jump. And you bet you he did learn him, too. He'd
give him a little punch behind, and the next minute you'd see that frog
whirling in the air like a doughnut — see him turn one summerset, or may
be a couple, if he got a good start, and come down flat footed and all
right like a cat. He got him up so in the matter of catching flies, and
kept him in practice so constant, that he'd nail a fly every time as far as
he could see him. Smiley said all a frog wanted was eclercation, and he
could do most anything — and I believe him. Why I've seen him set
Dan'l Webster down here on this floor — Dan'l Webster was the name of the
frog — and sing out, "Flies, Dan'l, flies !" and quicker'n you could wink,
he'd spring straight up, and snake a fly off'n the counter there, and flop
down on the floor again as solid as a gob of mud, and fall to scratching
the side of his head with his hind foot as indifferent as if he hadn't no
idea he'd been doin' any more'n any frog might do. You never see a frog
so modest and straightforward as he was, for all he was so gifted. And
when it come to fair and square jumping on a dead level, he could get
over more ground at one straddle than any animal of his breed you ever
see. Jumping on a dead level was his strong suit, you understand; and
when it come to that, Smiley would ante up mone3 r on him as long as he
had a red. Smiley was monstrous proud of his frog, and well he might
be, for fellers that had traveled and been everywhere, all said he laid over
any frog that ever they see.
Well, Smiley kept the beast in a little lattice box, and he used to fetch
him down town sometimes and lay for a bet. One day a feller — a stranger
in the camp, he was — come across him with his box, and says :
" What might it be that you've got in the box ?"
And Smiley says, sorter indifferent like, " It might be a parrot, or it
might be a canary, may be, but it an't — it's only just a frog."
And the feller took it, and looked at it careful, and turned it around this
way and that, and says, " H'm — so 'tis. Well, what's he good for ?"
"Well," Smiley says, easy and careless, "he's good enough for one
thing, I should judge — he can outjump any frog in Calaveras county."
The feller took the box again, and took another long, particular look,
and gave it back to Smiley, and says, very deliberate, "Well, I don't see
no p'ints about that frog that's any better 'n any other frog."
" May be you don't," Smiley says. " May be you understand frogs, and
may be you don't understand 'em; may be you've had experience, and
may be you an't only a amature, as it were. Anyways, I've got my
opinion, and I'll risk forty dollars that he can outjump any frog in
Calaveras county."
And the feller studied a minute, and then says, kinder sad like, "Well,
I'm only a stranger here, and I an't got no frog; but if I had a frog, I'd
bet you."
And then Smiley says, " That's all right — that's all right — if you'll hold
my box a minute, I'll go and get you a frog." And so the feller took the
12 JUMPING FROG OF CALAVERAS COUNTY.
box, and put up his forty dollars along with Sniiley's and set down to
wait.
So he set there a good while thinking and thinking to hisself, and then
he got the frog out and prized his mouth open and took a teaspoon and
filled him full of quail shot — filled him pretty near up to his chin — and
set him on the floor. Smiley he went to the swamp and slopped around
in the mud for a long time, and finally he ketched a frog and fetched him
in, and give him to Lhis feller and says :
" Now, if you're ready, set him alongside of Dan'l, with his fore paws just
even with Dan'l, and I'll give the word." Then he says, " One — two —
three — jump !" and him and the feller touched up the frogs from behind,
and the new frog hopped off, but Dan'l give a heave, and hysted up his
shoulders — so — like a Frenchman, but it wan't no use — he couldn't budge;
he was planted as solid as an anvil, and he couldn't no more stir than if he
was anchored out. Smiley was a good deal surprised, and he was dis-
gusted, too, but he didn't have no idea what the matter was, of course.
The feller took the money and started away, and when he was going out
at the door, he sorter jerked his thumb over his shoulders — this way — at
Dan'l, and says again, very deliberate, "Well, I don't see no p'ints about
that frog that's better 'n any other frog."
Smiley he stood scratching his head and looking down at Dan'l a long
time, and at last he says, "I do wonder what in the nation that frog
throw'd off for — I wonder if there an't something the matter with him —
he 'pears to look mighty baggy, somehow." And he ketched Dan'l by the
nap of the neck and lifted him up, and says, " Why, blame my cats, if he
don't weigh five pound !" and turned him upside down, and he belched
out a double handful of shot. And then he see how it was, and he was the
maddest man — he set the frog down and took out after that feller, but he
never ketched him. And
[Here Simon Wheeler heard his name called from the front yard, and
got up to see what was wanted.] And turning to me as he moved away,
he said : " Just set where you are stranger, and rest easy — I an't going to
be gone a second."
But, by your leave, I did not think that a continuation of the history of
the enterprising vagabond Jim Smiley would be likely to afford me much
information concerning the Rev. Leonidas W. Smiley, and so I started
away.
At the door I met the sociable Wheeler returning, and he buttonholed me
and recommenced !
" Well, thish-yer Smiley had a yaller, one-eyed cow that didn't have no
tail, only jest a short stump like a bannanner, and "
" Oh ! hang Smiley and his afflicted cow !" I muttered, good naturedly,
and bidding the old gentleman good day, I departed.
HISTORY OF THE SCRIPTURAL PANORAMIST. 13
ENTERTAINING HISTORY OF THE SCRIPTURAL PANORAMIST.
BY MARK TWAIN.
[I give the history in Mr. Nickerson's own language.]
fHERB was a fellow traveling around, in Connecticut (said Mr. Nicker-
son), with a moral religious show — a sort of a scriptural panorama
— and he hired a wooden headed old slab to play the piano for him.
After the first night's performance, the showman says :
" My friend, you seem to know pretty much all the tunes there are,
and you worry along first-rate. But then didn't you notice that sometimes
last night the piece you happened to be playing was a little rough on the
proprieties, so to speak — didn't seem to jibe with the general gait of the
picture that was passing at the time, as it were — was a little foreign to the
subject, you know — as if you didn't either trump or follow suit, you
understand?"
" Well, no," the fellow said; he hadn't noticed, but it might be; he had
played along just as it came handy.
So they put it up that the simple old dummy was to keep his eye on the
panorama after that, and as soon as a stunning picture was reeled out, he
was to fit it to a dot with a piece of music that would help the audience get
the idea of the subject, and warm them up like a camp meeting revival.
That sort of thing would corral their sympathies, the showman said.
There was a big audience that night; — mostly middle aged and old people
who belonged to the church and took a strong interest in Bible matters,
and the balance were pretty much young bucks and heifers — they always
come out strong on panoramas, you know, because it gives them a chance
to taste one another's mugs in the dark.
Well, the showman began to SAvell himself up for his lecture, and the
old mud-dobber tackled the piano and run his fingers up and down once
or twice to see that she was all right, and the fellows behind the curtain
commenced to grind out the panorama. The showman balanced his
weight on his right foot, and propped his hands on his hips, and flung his
eye over his shoulder at the scenery, and says :
" Ladies and gentlemen, the painting now before you illustrates the
beautiful and touching parable of the Prodigal Son. Observe the happy
expression just breaking over the features of the poor suffering youth — so
worn and weary with his long march; note also the ecstasy beaming from
the uplifted countenance of the aged father, and the joy that sparkles in
the eyes of the excited group of youths and maidens, and seems ready to
burst in a welcoming chorus from their lips. The lesson, my friends, is
as solemn and instructive as the story is tender and beautiful."
The mud-dobber was all ready, and the second the speech was finished
he struck up :
" Oh ! we'll all get blind drunk,
When Johnny comes marching home !"
Some of the people giggled and some groaned a little. The showman
14 HISTORY OF THE SCRIPTURAL PANORAMIST.
couldn't say a word. He looked at the piano sharp; but he was all lovely
and serene — he didn't know there was anything out of gear.
The panorama moved on, and the showman drummed up his grit and
started in fresh:
"The fine picture now unfolding itself to your gaze exhibits one of the
most notable events in Bible history — our Savior and his disciples upon
the sea of Galilee. How grand, how awe inspiring are the reflections
which the subject invokes! What sublimity of faith is revealed to us in
this lesson from the sacred writings! The Savior rebukes the angry waves,
and walks securely upon the bosom of the deep!"
All around the house they were whispering, "Oh, how lovely! how
beautiful!" and the orchestra let himself out again :
" Oh, a life on the ocean wave,
And a home on the rolling deep !"
There was a good deal of honest snickering turned on this time, and
considerable groaning, and one or two old deacons got up and went out.
The showman gritted his teeth and cursed the piano man to himself ; but
the fellow sat there like a knot on a log, and seemed to think he was doing
first-rate.
After things got quiet, the showman thought he would make one more
stagger at it, anyhow, though his confidence was beginning to get mighty
shaky. The supes started the panorama to grinding along, and he says:
" Ladies and gentlemen, this exquisite painting illustrates the raising of
Lazarus from the dead by our Savior. The subject has been handled with
rare ability by the artist, and such touching sweetness and tenderness of
expression has he thrown into it, that I have known peculiarly sensitive
persons to be even affected to tears by looking at it. Observe the half-
confused, half-inquiring look, upon the countenance of the awakening
Lazarus. Observe, also, the attitude and expression of the Savior, who
takes him gently by the sleeve of his shroud with one hand, while he
points with the other toward the distant city."
Before anybody could get off an opinion in the case, the innocent old
ass at the piano struck up :
"Come rise up, "William Ri-i-ley,
And go along with me!"
It was rough on the audience, you bet you. All the solemn old flats
got up in a huff to go, and everybody else laughed till the windows
rattled.
The showman went down and grabbed the orchestra, and shook him
up, and says :
" That lets you out, you know, you chowder headed old clam ! Go to
the doorkeeper and get your money, and cut your stick ! vamose the
ranche ! Ladies and gentlemen, circumstances over which I have no
control compel me prematurely to dismiss "
THEEE THOUSAND KILLED AND WOUNDED. 15
"THREE THOUSAND KILLED AND WOUNDED."
BY ISABEL A. SAXON.
The following poem, written when the recent terrible war between
France and Germany raged fiercest, and first published in the San Fran-
cisco News Letter proves, we think, that there is'at least one woman in
California who can write — poetry :
Are its proud masters fiends, or are they men ?
That in the broadest light of Reason's day
With Science's myriad banners wide unfurled
They dare profane God's footstool with such crime
And call it glory ! Out upon the age !
If in its boasted panoply of worth
This be the most it gives us; we have need
Of something more than to see heroes bleed,
And women writhe in agony of soul
Above their mutilated dead ! All Death
Is fearful to our aching hearts
Feeling the worth we lose, when on the whole
Of this terrestial orb, no other eyes
Will beam upon us with such looks of love
As those we mourn — holy with thoughtfulness —
Radiant when we were joyful — sad when we
Gazed sadly into them; true, loyal eyes !
How can death harm us but by stealing them,
And closing them forever to our view ?
Yet oft the tyrant monarch comes to such
Upon the verge of Man's allotted span
Reverend and crowned with honors — idolized
By some, and dear to numbers. On the couch
Smoothed by affection, thus to pass away
With the serenity of childhood's sleep —
Is to divest the Conqueror of Life
Of half his terror-dealing influence.
But Death upon the gory battle-field !
Mothers ! Wives ! Sisters ! What see ye afar
Mid the red flash of carnage ? Quivering flesh !
That ye have clasped how often in your arms !
Was it for this, pale watchers, that ye gave
Your very life blood to the reeking earth ?
Poor stricken ones ! Shriek on, and on, and on !
See eyes glaze fast ! White lips that kiss the dust
Which ye so yearn to meet in love and life !
See if your shrieks perchance may reach the ears
Of earth's polluted law-givers — who drench
Her shuddering frame with streaming human blood —
And wring concession from them ! 'Tis a lie
16 THREE THOUSAND KILLED AND WOUNDED.
To call us civilized ! A falsehood palpable;
Let him who doubts it look upon the deeds
"Wrought by our cannon and death-dealing guns
That tear the vitals, wrench the shrinking limbs,
Annihilate the very form of man
From all that's human ! How right royally
We play the game of murder ! Are we not
Brave, loyal, noble ? Brave ? Aye, brave indeed
To do the work of bloodhounds ! Call us dogs,
And then the dog is libeled. Loyal are we ?
Aye, to our passions; very, very loyal.
Oh Heaven ! After so many myriad years
That Thou hast borne with us, is this the end ?
All we can render thee ! Have Mercy yet,
We are so finite in our faculties !
Thou migh'st well loathe us, that we cannot yield
To Reason's sway. Men — nations — all alike
Bow before passion's shrine. Shall there not come a day
When the whole earth shall be our Fatherland ?
Nor petty voices of our selfishness
Whisper, all nations are to be decried
Save one, and that upheld above them all
Because it gave us birth ? . To love that one
And reverence it is sure a holy pride,
But to hold it infallible — and in defense
Of some vain chimera of fancied wrong,
Torture and murder, plunder, rob and burn
In wantonness of insult ! What is war
But Licensed Murder ? And in " first degree,"
For so our judges speak of that which is
" Done with a calm, deliberate purjaose, and
Intent to kill." If one poor, pallid wretch,
Shrinking in horror at his own foul deed,
Be worthy, punishment, say what are we,
Nations of Murderers ? How dare we raise
Our hands to Heaven imploring pity, while
With full and perfect knowledge of its wrong
We still vociferate "War," vile, fiendish war.
There is no reason in it; are we so wild
So savage in our instincts yet, that councils calm
Of wise and learned and skilled, far-seeing men
From every clime, cannot, by patience' aid
Unravel every snarled and tangled knot
Woven by demagogues and imbeciles ? /
God speed the time, when our fair mother Earth
Shall smile in all her lavishness of bloom,
Unmarred by violence, unstained by blood,
United over all her fertile fields,
By hearts Lhat may in one, if but one thought
Agree; abiding hate of murderous War.
PROMINENT EUSHSTESS HOUSES OF SAK FRANCISCO.
17
ORGANS.
(MASON & HAMLIN'S CABINET.)
Kohler, Chase & Co., Clay street. — Who would suppose it would make
any difference in the quality of tone in a reed instrument whether the air
is expelled from the bellows through the reeds, or is drawn through them
into it ? No one; and yet such is the singular fact, which may be demon-
strated in a moment by any one who will take a common accordeon and
observe the tones produced when the bellows is pushed in and then when
it is drawn out. In the first case they are wheezy, rough and unsteady;
in the second clear, smooth, brilliant and firm. The first pertain to the
almost obsolete melodeon; the second to the modern and widely-used
cabinet organ. There is more difference between the two than there is be-
tween the cabinet organ and the grand pipe organ. Indeed a remark like
the following is frequently heard among good musicians: " I would rather ■
have a good cabinet than an ordinary pipe organ;" and, indeed, there is j,
some reason for the remark, for the orchestral effects produced by a large
sized Mason & Hamlin organ in the hands of a master, are surprisingly fine.
We believe that the discovery and application of the principle of drawing
the air into the bellows instead of forcing it out must be credited to Mr.
Needham, of the firm of Carhart & Needham.
Although a great step in advance, the instrument was yet far from being
satisfactory. It required an immense amount of practice to enable the
performer to give any expression to the music. In the hands of an ordi-
nary player it produced a steady, monotonous, unbroken roar, ending as
18 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
abruptty as the grinding of a coffee mill. Evidently the instrument would
never be very popular unless this defect could be overcome.
After the trial of various unsuccessful devices such as knee swells,
extra pedals, etc., etc., a complete, simple and perfect remedy was found
in the invention of what is properly called the " Automatic Swell," which
was immediately secured for the Mason & Hamlin organ and has made it,
in connection with other excellencies, the leading instrument of its class
throughout the world.
With respect to this remarkable invention it is perhaps sufficient to say
that its effect is to enable an ordinary performer to produce a most perfect
and beautiful crescendo and diminuendo, with the pedals only. In other
words although the player may move the pedals 'rapidly and irregularly,
when he first places his hands on the keys, yet he will produce a tone at
first soft as the whisper of an iEolian harp which will evenly and grandly
swell up to the full overwhelming power of the instrument, and then
although he may suddenly lift the feet from the pedals, keeping his hands
on the keys, 'it will as gradually and smoothly die away to the faintest
whisper. It is perfection itself, and puts a soul into the instrument that
makes it a formidable rival to the piano. By its action the instrument
becomes, so to speak, a part of the player and responds to his sympathies
and tastes like a violin in the hands of an artist.
We are acquainted with the organs of several other makers, and while
many of them possess fine tones, numerous stops, good workmanship and
pleasing exteriors, none that we have ever seen yet possess the power of
expression or the capability of producing the exquisitely modulated tones
that pertain to the Mason & Hamlin.
It takes no cultivated musician to understand and prove these state-
ments ; any person who chooses may seat himself at any other kind of an
organ and endeavor to the best of his ability to produce what is termed a
" swell," in music, and he will find it utterly impossible to do so. He
may partly succeed, but he will find that just as his ear is anticipating the
finish of a perfect diminuendo, the sound abruptly ceases as if the instru-
ment had suddenly got out of breath. Now let him attempt to obtain the
same result with the Mason & Hamlin and how easily and perfectly he
succeeds, unskillful though he may be. This is no idle talk, but is simply
a fact which is worth while for those who contemplate purchasing organs to
look into. This invention makes the Mason & Hamlin as much superior
to other organs as other organs are to the old fashioned melodeon — in fact
it is the Mason & Hamlin that has sold others, by making cabinet organs
popular. One other characteristic deserves notice ; they are always ready
never seriously out of order, and always in tune — indeed, we think on*?
,with proper usage would be in good condition after fifty years service-
We admire the piano forte very much, yet while doing so we cannot help
admitting that the music of an organ is of a more elevating and refining
character. It might be difficult to say why this is so, yet it is undoubtedly
true, and we cannot avoid the conclusion that their use must cultivate,
refine and purify the hearts and minds of those who come under the.ir
influence.
TOWN CRIERISMS. 19
TOWN CRIERISMS.
fHE following diablerie is from the " Town Crier," in the San Francisco
News Letter, one of the queerest sheets ever published, and withal,
one of the most entertaining. It is not a newspaper — does not pretend
to be — neither is it a literary, political, or religious journal, nor yet the
organ of any society or organization; it is not a comic or sporting publica-
tion, nor devoted to the interests of any nationality or class. In fact, it is
easier to tell what it is not than what it is, except that it is readable. It
drobably contains more genuine original wit and stinging satire, than any
paper published in America, albeit not always used in a manner entirely
consistent with fairness — in the opinion of the victims :
A MODEL REPORT.
" At the last session of the Board of Supervisors, the Fire and "Water
Committee was instructed to inquire into the circumstances attending the
late fire. We have obtained a sight of the report the Committee will
present next Monday evening. .It is as follows: 'Your Committee has
made careful and impartial inquiry, and we find that one prominent feature
of the late fire was an intense heat, to which, without doubt, much of the
damage is to be attributed. We find, moreover, that this heat was greatest
in those places where the conflagration raged most fiercely, and least
where it did not rage at all — for example, at North Beach and Oakland.
We find that where water was got on in sufficient quantity the flames were
wholly extinguished, and we feel justified in the opinion that if half the
water daily wasted in navigation had been promptly applied some hours
before the conflagration, the building could not have been ignited. We
would be recreant to our duty did we not call attention to the shameful
conduct of the fire ordinance in not preventing combustion when flame
and wood are brought into direct personal contact. As to the other
circumstances attending the fire, some of them were female and the
remainder were mostly drunk.' If this report shall not have the effect of
restoring the property destroyed there will be very little encouragement to
make another. We think the Board should in that case pass a resolution
declaring that no property was destroyed.
LUMINOUS.
" We are pained to learn that the case of Ching Wong vs. Lum Shu has
been set for hearing March 31st. Why so long a postponement was
necessary we are not advised, but in view of the important interests
involved, and the vast amount of property likely to be affected by the
decision, it is to be regretted that it could not be brought to an immediate
issue. We shall advise our readers of the final result, provided we can
learn what the mischief it is all about. Meantime, we side with Lum
Ching and utterly condemn and revile the dastardly, conduct of Wong Shu.
In saying this we know that our motive will be suspected; we know that
the base hirelings of an infernal press — the boneheaded, bladderhearted,
snakespirited, rumblinded, unconstitutional incomprehensibilities of con-
temporary journalism — will seek to cast a wet blanket of detraction upon
the lambent flame of our duty to the public; but we don't care a tinker's
imprecation ! We feel that Shu Ching is in the right, and we mean to
20 TOWN CRIERISMS.
sustain him, even if our disreputable contemporaries should descend to
their usual blackguardly business of calling names. The News Letter
cannot be swerved the diameter of a gnat's eye-lash from the path of
rectitude as marked out by the sympathies of its patrons. Those sympa-
thies are unmistakably in favor of Wong Lum. The other litigant party
may go to — Oakland !
A MERITED REBUKE.
"We are pained to note that Professor Bolander, of our Academy of
Sciences, has been maligning the Golden State, which has tolerated him for
years without a word of complaint. At the meeting last Monday evening,
the ungrateful wretch asserted that the geological and climatic conditions
of the State are not favorable to the formation of peat. What ! a State
that produces silk, and rice, and ramie, and cotton, and the poppy, and
coffee, and tea, and all other possible and impossible vegetables {vide the
newspapers, passim) not capable of secreting peat ? We are disgusted.
We have seen ledges of peat in Tuolumne county fifteen feet wide and of
astonishing richness, needing only water power to get it out by the
shipload. A gentleman well known in peat circles informs us that the soil
of Merced is admirably adapted for its cultivation from the seed. The
Siskiyou Snorter says, editorially, that the rivers of that county are full of
peat; as many as seventy barrels have been caught in one day by a single
man. It supposes that a married man could take twice as many. California
not adapted to peat ! Stuff and nonsense ! Mr. Bolander has singly
insulted every pioneer concerned in laying the geological and climatic
foundations of this State.
SEVERE ON FLORIDA.
" It is reported that an entire county of Florida has sunk out of sight.
A gentleman living in that county writes us from Hades that, like the
dead, it will rise again. 'I overheard,' says he, 'a conversation between
Mr. Satan, in whose dominions we now rest, and one of his lieutenants,
which convinces me that we shall be all right again in a few days :
4 Gargoyle,' said Satan, 'I have been all over this new territory that you
have annexed, and I must say that its acquisition reflects no credit upon
your sagacity, and is not at all beneficial to our estate. To be plain with
you, the thing is a disgrace to H , and its inhabitants are not fit to be
received here upon any footing whatever. As soon as you get rested, you
and Griffin, and Behemoth, and Pachyderm, and Thad. Stevens, just get
your backs under the d thing, boost it up again and key it into its old
place. And mind, don't you annex any more Florida under any pretext
whatever. What we are after now are San Domingo and California.' We
congratulate the good people of the sunken county upon their approaching
deliverance.
WONDERS OF MODERN TRAVEL.
" A remarkable instance of rapid traveling has just been made public in
Liverpool, and telegraphed all over America. Some time last May a man
left San Francisco for Liverpool. He got to Omaha in five days, and
finding that he had forgotten his baggage, returned for it. He then started
again, and got as far as New York, but finding no steamer, took a trip
down the coast to Charleston, South Carolina. From that place he went
TOWN CRIERISMS. 21
to New Orleans to see a cousin. Going back to Charleston to get a good
start, he sped straight to Memphis with the speed of the wind, and
theace he came back to Sacramento. Deducting all the time he ' lay over '
at various places, and allowing the highest rate of speed for the time he
was actually traveling, it will be seen that if he had gone on to Liverpool
as he at first intended, he would have made the trip in a comparatively
brief period. We trust his example may stimulate the building of another
trans-continental railroad; and also the submerging of another sub-Atlantic
telegraph cable to proclaim to a wondering public the astonishing celerity
of the modern traveler, when he gets up and goes.
UNAPPRECIATED INGENUITY.
"The 'Town Crier,' who is always incubating some egg of benevolence,
has just hatched out a scheme which cannot fail of working much weal.
He has invented a contribution box to be used instead of the ordinary plate
at church. It is so ingeniously contrived that one may put into it as large
a sum as he likes and the amount of it shall be alike unknown to him who
passes the box and him who looks on from. an adjoining pew. Thus a
man may contribute ten and twenty dollar pieces without incurring the
derision of the scoffer, the embarrassing gratitude of the pastor, or the
distressing envy of the congregation. It is believed that contributions
garnered by the use of this device will be at least ten thousand times
greater in amount than those gathered ' in the old way. The inventor
grieves to state that, so far, his apparatus has been somewhat coldly looked
upon, and in attempting to introduce it he has met with but indifferent
encouragement from the clergy. Mr. Fulton, it will be remembered, met
with opposition in building his steamboat.
DEMORALIZATION OF INDIANA DIVORCE LAWS.
Indiana has made herself eternally infamous by repealing some of her
enlightened legislation, and hedging in the tender relation of divorce with
such odious restrictions as must discourage the most hopeful conjugal
malcontent. She has actually decided that within her boundaries cold
feet shall no longer be deemed a sufficient ground of separation, nor shall
the habit of rolling over and taking all the bed-covers along be regarded as
incompatibility of temper within the meaning of the law. Nothing less
atrocious than a pronounced affection for a neighbors spouse is hereafter
to be regarded as entitling the one who exhibits it to a decree, and even
then the privelege of supporting the children is conceded to the other
party. We fear the sovereign State of Indiana has degraded herself to the
level of other Christian communities, and many worthy married persons
will now have to choose between Chicago and suicide. A very intelligent
choice may be made by tossing up a copper.
RESIGNATION.
" Mr. Verbloom, of this city, who was supposed to have gone down in
the City of Boston^ has put in an appearance, very greatly to the asto'nish-
ment of his wife. As that worthy lady had just received a thousand
dollars on his life policy, his reception was not attended by any of those
external signs with which frivolous natures are accustomed to manifest
their joy. After the first start of surprise, the demeanor of his wife was
calm, dignified and resigned — something like that of a serene jackass
baffled of his turnip by a sudden and tempestuous pig.
QO
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OP SAN FRANCISCO.
Cf\AWE2jCUF£n§
(WlliCOX'S STEAM WATER LIFTER.)
Allen "Wilcox, 21 Fremont street. — We are not sure that it is quite
proper to class the remarkable invention of Mr. Wilcox, of which the ac-
companying cut is an illustration, under the head of steam pumps, and
yet it performs all the functions of one in a manner unequaled by the
best of those machines. What will our readers say of a steam pump that
employs neither engine, piston, fly wheel nor crank, but raises water by
direct pressure of the steam ? We know what that portion of them will
say who are not familiar with its action. They will say that there would
be a loss of a considerable part of the power by condensation, resulting
from the steam coming in contact with the water, to balance which
they would probably admit that a saving of nearly one-third would be
effected by the entire absence of friction, a considerable degree of that
element of resistance being unavoidable in ordinary pumps, employing as
they do pistons, valves, etc., working under sufficient pressure to keep
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 23
them steam or water tight. When we tell them that not only does the
steam act in a place as favorable for retaining its heat as in the cylinder
of an engine, but that in addition the power of the exhaust steam also
is utilized, — being condensed to produce a vacuum which raises the water
25 feet, without the expenditure of any power whatever — we think that
they will begin to see the point, and discover a gain of at least 50 per
cent, over any steam pump yet devised.
The successful introduction of this machine on this coast involved an
amount of perseverance, faith, coin and nerve, that would have disheart-
ened most men, and its remarkable success can but furnish an additional
incentive to those who are slowly and laboriously working their way along
with some invention of unrecognized merit, which they know in their
hearts possess the elements of success. These lifters are in use all over the
State, elevating water for any purpose required, at about one-half the cost
of any other steam pump. No accident has ever occurred with them and
having neither pistons nor packing, they seldom get out of order. They
are in use wherever a pump is necessary, on the Central Pacific R. Pt. from
Oakland to Ogden; no less than forty thousand dollar's worth of them being
required for the purpose.
Mr. Wilcox has a large shop devoted exclusively to the manufacture
of these lifters. He keeps a number on hand and will be pleased to show
them in operation to any one interested at any time.
A Fragment.
BY JOAQUIN MILLER.
Let the red lips lift, proud curled to kiss,
And round limbs lean and raise and reach
In love too passionate for speech —
Too full of blessedness and bliss
For anything but this and this;
Let luscious lips lean hot to kiss
And swoon in love, whilst all the air
Is redolent with balm of trees,
And mellow with the song of bees,
While birds sit singing everywhere;
And you will have not any more
Than I in boyhood, by that shore
Of olives, had in years of yore.-
She had wept and wondered at my delay,
Alone and in tears, with her head held down,
Where the ships sail out and the seas swirl in,
Forgetting to knit and refusing to spin.
She shall lift her head, she shall see her lover,
She shall hear his voice like a sea that rushes;
She shall hold his gold in her hands of snow,
And down on her breast she shall hide her blushes;
And never a care shall her true heart know,
While the clouds are below, or the clouds are above her.
24 suppose.
SUPPOSE.
BY PHCEBE CARY.
Suppose my little lady,
Your doll should break her head?
Could you make it whole by crying
Till your eyes and nose are red ?
And wouldn't it be pleasanter
To treat it as a joke,
And say you are glad 'twas Dolly's
And not your head that broke ?
Suppose you're dressed for walking,
And the rain comes pouring down,
"Will it clear off any sooner
Because you scold and frown ?
And wouldn't it be nicer
For you to smile than pout,
And so make sunshine in the house
When there is none without ?
Suppose your task, my little man,
Is very hard to get,
Will it make it any easier
For you to sit and fret ?
And wouldn't it be wiser
Than waiting like a dunce,
To go to work in earnest
And learn the thing at once ?
Suppose that some boys have a horse,
And some a coach and pair,
Will it tire you less while walking
To say it isn't fair ?
And wouldn't it be nobler
To keep your temper sweet,
And in your neart be thankful
You can walk upon your feet ?
And suppose the world don't please you,
Nor the things some people do,
Do you think the whole creation
Will be altered just for you ?
And isn't it my boy or girl,
The wisest, bravest plan,
Whatever comes or doesn't come,
To do the best you can ?
A dumb man recently went to law with a deaf man: the latter, of course,
was the deaf-endant.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. £5
Hail light divine, whose rays doth lend
To us the features of a friend ;
Thy praise mankind shall ever sing
O, thou, that robs death of its sting.
I. W. Taber, 12 Montgomery street, opposite Masonic Temple. — This
little photographic palace is pre-eminently art's headquarters. Probably
there is not such an assemblage of first-class talent in San Francisco, as
that connected with this gallery. At some other places may be found more
extensive suites of rooms and perhaps larger collections of pictures, but
at none more perfect or beautiful specimens of the photographer's art;
and as for paintings, it is sufficient to say that the walls are adorned with
the splendid conceptions of the Nahls, of whom a writer in the San Fran-
cisco News Letter says: « "We may well say the Nahls, for art has become
a tradition in this family. The father, grandfather and great grandfather
of the young men now in our city were all celebrated artists in their day.
The grandfather designed the beautiful tomb of Madame Langhans, in the
parish church of Hildelbank, near Berne. Schiller makes honorable men-
tion of the father, and Arthur, one of the young men now in San Francisco,
gained the gold medal of the Academy of Paris when very young. There
are few of our citizens that have not been delighted with the works of
these gifted brothers, from their India ink sketches to the more ambitious
oil paintings."
At the present time the reception parlor at this establishment contains
that splendid series of paintings by Charles Nahl, entitled, " The Rape of
the Sabines." As a delineation of the form, a most noble and majestic man
and a deliciously beautiful woman, these paintings probably excel anything
to be found on the Pacific Coast.
Of Mr. Taber himself, the visitor would probably see but little, unless
he should have occasion to visit the operating room, where he may nearly
always be found looking through a camera at some victim in the chair who
is desirous of viewing his counterfeit presentiment as shown by a first-class
photograph. Mr. Taber is wholly given Up to his business and attends to
ifc personally and constantly. For seven or eight years he was the prin-
cipal operator in one of our largest and most popular galleries.
He has occupied his present rooms about one year, and during that time
has demonstrated that as a photographer he has few equals, and no supe-
riors on this coast. His display in the recent Mechanics' Fair was unsur-
passed as specimens of good photographs and perfect likenesses.
Of course, when one of his photographs is submitted to the magic brush
of Arthur Nahl, a portrait results which is perhaps as nearly perfect as has
yet been produced on this planet. Mr. Taber's establishment although
referred to as a " little " place, is really among the largest in San Francisco,
occupying fifteen or sixteen rooms and giving employment to nearly a
dozen persons.
These rooms are situated right in the heart of the city and are constant-
ly filled with visitors, who come to gratify their love of the beautiful by
feasting their eyes on the gems of art with which their walls are adorned.
26 THE YOUNG TOBACCO CHEWER.
THE YOUNG TOBACCO CHEWER.
^n board the ship one day, we were stowing away the hammocks when
one of the boys came with his hammock on his shoulder, and, as he
passed, the first lieutenant perceived that he had a quid of tobacco
in his mouth.
"What have you got there?" asked the first lieutenant. "A gum
boil ? Your cheek is much swollen."
" No, sir; there's nothing the matter," replied the boy.
" Oh, there must be! Perhaps it is a bad tooth. Open your mouth and
let me see."
Very reluctantly the boy opened his mouth, which contained a large
roll of tobacco leaf.
"I see — I see," said the lieutenant. "Poor fellow, how you must
suffer! Your mouth wants overhauling and your teeth cleaning. I wish,"
continued he, " that we had a dentist on board. But, as we have not, I
will operate as well as I can. Send the armorer up here with his tongs."
When the armorer made his appearance with his big tongs, the boy was
compelled to open his mouth while the tobacco was extracted with this
rough instrument.
"There, now, said the first lieutenant, "I'm sure that you must feel
better already. You never could have an appetite with such stuff in your
mouth. Now, captain of the afterguard, bring a piece of old canvas and
some sand, and clean his teeth nicely."
The captain of the afterguard came forward, and grinning from ear to
ear, put the unwilling boy's head between his knees, and scrubbed his
teeth well with sand and canvas for two or three minutes.
"There, that will do," said the lieutenant. "Now, my little fellow,
take some water and rinse out your mouth, and you will enjoy your
breakfast. It was impossible for you to have eaten anything with your
mouth in such a filthy state. When you are troubled in the same way again,
have no scruples about coming to me, and I will be your dentist."
It is needless to say that the affair occasioned a great deal of merriment
at the boy's expense. He was, however, completely cured of the habit of
tobacco chewing by the occurrence, and doubtless has now no disposition
tcj complain of the apparently harsh discipline which accomplished so
desirable a result. If some such measure were adopted with the many
young and unfledged chewers and smokers that are to be met with among
us, they themselves would be largely benefited, and society relieved of a
great evil. — Rev. George Trash.
Jealousy. — A Virginia lady returning home rather late one evening,
recently, heard a noise in a bed-room, and looking through the key-hole
saw the round figure of a woman upon whose shoulders her husband was
adjusting a shawl. Enraged by jealousy, she seized a shot-gun and, forcing
open the door, shot the intruder in the back. Her husband yelled, and
she fainted, but when coming to her senses found that she had desperately
wounded a dummy which her husband, a dry goods merchant, had brought
home for repairs.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 27
DRUGS AND MED5CINES.
James G. Steele & Co., 521 Montgomery street, between Clay ana
Commercial — Importers and manufacturers of rare chemicals, selected
drugs, pure essential oils, English extracts, standard fluid extracts, and the
various proprietary articles, both American and Foreign.
The facilities for dissipation and the necessity for overstraining tho
mental as well as the physical sy stein, which have followed a constantly
improving civilization, seem to have left but little time for the individual
to study how to live. His mode of life is largely artificial and correspond-
ingty unhealthy, yet in spite of the thousand and one ills to which flesh
has been made heir by the necessities of modern modes of life, longevity
has been materially increased within the last few years, and the average
duration of life seems to be steadily gaining. The means of cure have
increased in a greater proportion than have the diseases, and through the
investigations of science and the application of newly-discovered remedies,
diseases once feared are readily subdued, and many which were once
deemed incurable are overcome by the power of the healing art. The hu-
mane ctforts of the medical fraternity and the successful practice of the
physician and surgeon are both well known, but the part taken by the
chemist is not so well appreciated. To the chemist is due much of the
credit ; his investigations and experiments produce new remedies, some
simple and others effective, because of combinations, which are practically
applied by the physician, and on him devolves the nice task of compound-
ing drugs according to the formula presented by the doctor. He also is
responsible for the quality of the ingredients ; it is his place to analyze and
test each article to be used. In the introduction of new elements into the
Materia Medica the chemist apothecary has done much to alleviate suffer-
ing. It is within a few years that the system of practice of medicine has
been almost completely changed by the application of those discoveries, as
instances of which may be cited: morphine and codeine from opium, quin-
ine and cinchonine from Peruvian Bark ; the active principle is thus ob-
tained in a concentrated form and made both more convenient and more
effective. Medicines are prepared which will effect* almost any organ of
the body ; one will accelerate the beating of the heart, another urge a tor-
pid liver to action ; a third, supply the means of digestion to a vitiated
stomach ; a fourth, calm excited nerves and soothe an over-active brain;
putting the entire system at rest. The successful apothecary must
be not only a good business man, but he must be a theoretical and
practical chemist — a man of taste and pleasing address. As an example
of a successful house, we may refer to the well-known establishment of
James G. Steele & Co., No. 521 Montgomery street, and in Mr. Steele we
find those very qualities which have been enumerated as necessary to the
successful apothecary. The immediate personal supervision which he
exercises over every department of his business ; the scrupulous exactness
with which every order is filled, and the excellent quality of all article?
on sale, have brought him a large and lucrative business. These facte,
together with his well-known competency in his business, ought to car je
every one to patronize him who desire pure and efficacious medicine; for
their bodily ailments.
28 AN ARCTIC AURORA.
AN ARCTIC AURORA.
s we emerged into the open air there burst suddenly upon our startled
eyes the grandest exhibition of vivid, dazzling light and color, of
which the mind can conceive. The whole universe seemed to be on
fire. A broad arch of brilliant prismatic colors spanned the heavens from
east to west, like a gigantic rainbow, with a long fringe of crimson and
yellow streamers stretching up from its convex edge to the very zenith.
At short intervals of one or two seconds, wide luminous bands, parallel
with the arch, rose suddenly out of the northern horizon, and swept with
a swift, steady majesty across the whole heavens, like long breakers of
phosphorescent light rolling in from some limitless ocean of space.
Every portion of the vast arch was momentarily wavering, trembling,
and changing color, and the brilliant streamers which fringed its edge
swept back and forth in great curves, like the fiery sword of the angel at
the gate of Eden. In a moment the vast auroral rainbow, with all its wavy
streamers, began to move slowly up toward the zenith, and a second arch,
of equal brilliancy, formed directly under it, shooting up another long
serried row of slender colored lances toward the north star, like a battalion
of the celestial host presenting arms to its commanding angel. Every
instant the display increased in unearthly grandeur. The luminous bands
revolved swiftly, like the spokes of a great wheel of light, across the
heavens; the streamers hurried back and forth with swift, tremulous
motion, from the ends of the arches to the centre, and now and then a
great wave of crimson would surge up from the north, and fairly deluge
the whole sky with color, tinging the white snowy earth far and wide with
its rosy reflection. But as the words of the prophecy, "And the heavens
shall be turned to blood," formed themselves upon my lips, the crimson
suddenly vanished, and a lightning flash of vivid orange startled us with
its wide, all-pervading glare, which extended even to the southern horizon,
as if the whole volume of the atmosphere had suddenly taken fire. I even
held my breath a moment as I listened for the tremendous crash of thunder
which, it seemed to me, must follow this sudden burst of vivid light; but
in heaven or earth there was not a sound to break the calm silence of the
night save the hastily muttered prayers of the frightened native at my side
as he crossed himself and kneeled before the visible majesty of God.
But the end was not yet. As we watched with upturned faces, the
swift ebb and flo.w of these great celestial tides of colored light, the last
seal of the glorious revelation was suddenly broken, and both arches were
simultaneously shivered into a thousand perpendicular bars, every one of
which displayed in regular order, from top to bottom, the seven primary
colors of the spectrum. From horizon to horizon there now stretched two
vast curving bridges of colored bars, across which we expected to see,
passing and re-passing, the inhabitants of another world.
The young wife of an elderly resident awakening from a sound sleep,
began to shake her slumbering lord smartly, to make him stop snoring.
Just then there came several loud rolls of thunder, and desisting from her
attempt, she resigned herself quietly to sleep, remarking : " It is only
thundering, after all; I thought you were snoring."
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 29
WHEELBARROWS.
(METALLIC TUBULAR.)
C. Nutting 1 & Soil, 417 and 419 Market street, below First. — Perhaps
our readers, after a glance at the caption of this article may be inclined to
skip it thinking that they know all about as common a thing as a wheel-
barrow. "With all due respect we beg leave to inform them that they do
not unless they have seen the remarkable invention of which the following
cut is a tolerably correct representation.
Consider for a moment what would be regarded as a perfect implement
of this kind and then see if this one does not fill the bill completely.
Would it not be one that was light, strong, well proportioned and capable
of standing rough usage, dry weather, wet weather, hot ashes, cinders,
brick, stone, etc., besides being thrown down an embankment or off a
scaffold occasionally ? Certainly they are subjected to all these things
whether they will stand them or not, and with the exception of the kind
under consideration, they will not stand them. Here comes invention to
the rescue. What shall it be made of ? Wood ? No ! Clearly nothing
but iron will answer. But iron is heavy and expensive ! Use tubes for
your frame, suggests invention, and then it will be light and cheap.
No sooner said than done, the result being the Patent Metallic Tubular.
Wheelbarrow, which, while it costs scarcely more than a thoroughly made
wooden barrow is at least three times as strong and will last not three but
ten times as long. It is made wholly of iron ; frame, legs, wheel, tray and
all, and is to all intents and purposes practically indestructible. We
cannot conceive of any way to wear out or destroy one except to attack
it with a sledge hammer and cold chisel.
Messrs. Nutting & Son's sales preceding January, 1871, were only
ninety-six barrows, yet from January, 1871, to January, 1872, they sold
upwards eleven hundred.
For the purpose of handling hot ashes and cinders around foundries,
and hot ores and rock around roasting furnaces and smelting works, they
are absolutely indispensable, while for gardens, railroads, brick yards,
wood yards and the like, they will be found not only the best, but also
much the cheapest in the long run. Certificates without number concerning
their strength and indestructibility, might be obtained from foundries,
mining companies and others, if it was deemed necessary, but it is self-
evident that an iron barrow if made properly must be almost ever-
■"asting, hence they are omitted.
They make four sizes, ranging in weight from fifty-eight to one hundred
and sixteen pounds, and in price from thirteen to twenty -three dollars.
30 SHOPPING IN RIO JANEIRO.
SHOPPING IN RIO JANEIRO.
(< Q'AiiK about Yankee shrewdness. The Yankee is nowhere beside a
jj Brazilian. Here is a fair sample of their cunning: Milk here is not
v/ carried around in carts, as in the States, but they drive the cow,
with the calf tied to her tail and muzzled, right to your door. There she
is milked, and one would naturally suppose one might, from such a process,
get good, pure milk. But it is a fact, in spite of all this, they manage to
put water into it, right under your nose. If there isn't sharpness for you,
I don't know where it is to be found. I went into a cigar store the other
day to get a good Havana cigar. I commenced, "O senor falla Anglais ?"
"Nao, senor." "Parlez vous Francais?" "Nao, senor." (I don't know
what good it would have done if he could, for I couldn't.) " Do you talk
Spanish?" "Nao, senor." He didn't talk anything but English. I told
him I wanted some cigars. He got me some. I selected two or three that
he said were Havana. Then I wanted to pay for them. We couldn't
understand each other. He fired away in Portuguese, and I in English,
French, Spanish, Hebrew, Hottentot, Choctaw, Comanche and a little
Piute. At last I got them paid for, and had the satisfaction of finding,
when I got out in the street, that he had swindled me most egregiously.
The Brazilians are the most polite people I ever met. They always raise
their hat when they pass an acquaintance. When you meet, you always
shake hands. If you part with a friend for one moment, to go into a house
or store, when you come out you shake hands. If you meet a man twenty
times a day, you shake hands when you meet and when you part. I
stopped at the Hotel du Saxe ; there I got a room and two meals a day, a
a bottle of wine for dinner, and coffee on arising, for four millreis a day —
two dollars. I went into a restaurant with a friend to get dinner; calling
for the bill, I was somewhat startled to find it 3,800 reis. I did not, like
Mark Twain's friend, get quite horror stricken, for I was somewhat prepared
for it. According to Mark Twain, it took 1,000 neis to make one dollar;
according to that the bill would have been $3 88, but here it takes 2,000
reis to make one dollar, and the bill was but $1 90. Everybody takes
coffee on rising. Two meals a day is the order; breakfast at eight; dinner
at half-past four. A good dinner can be had for a millreis. The currency
here is paper, and has been since the war with Paraguay. Before, it was
coin, and so plentiful that it was a trouble. The smallest piece of paper is
a millreis — fifty cents. Twenty and forty reis pieces of copper— one and
two cents — are the only coins now in use. All other change is made, with
ferry and horse-car tickets of 200 reis — ten cents."
"Young man, do you ever drink ?" asked a mild looking man accost-
ing Jones. " Well, yes, thank you, as its a cold morning I don't mind,"
replied Jones, removing his quid of tobacco. "Don't do it any more,"
replied the mild man, " or you will eventually be damned. Good morning.
God bless you."
Buy what thou needest not, and thou shalt soon sell thy necessaries.
Proverbial — Fiery men are easily put out.
A simple-ton — 20 cwt.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OP SAN PRANCISCO. 31
COLLEGES.
Heald's Business College, 24 Post street, San Francisco. — A glance
at the leading commebcial school op the pacific. — In these go-ahead
times it is the duty of every young man to secure a practical business
education. The farmer, the mechanic, the merchant, — all who would be
successful in any calling, are alike interested in this question. Lives
which might have been glorious successes become utter failures without
this useful education. For obtaining this there is no other institution on
this coast which equals heald's business college, located in College
Building, 24 Post street. This school, in the number of its students, size,
convenience and elegance of its rooms, number and experience of its
teachers, and extent and thoroughness of Us course of instruction, is far
ahead of any other school of business in this State. We know whereof
we speak, and can heartily recommend this school. During the past year
it has had in attendance over six hundred pupils. In visiting this
institution one is struck with its order and discipline ; with the intelligence
and gentlemanly bearing of its students. "We believe we are correct in
saying that this is now the most popular school on the Pacific Coast.
The plan of operation adopted by this school is quite novel and interest-
ing; instead of a dry and tedious study of mere text books, actual business
transactions are carried on among the students, in connection with a theo-
retical study of accounts, arithmetic, penmanship, correspondence, com-
mercial law, ete. In order to carry out this system of training, the school-
room has been fitted up to represent a miniature business world. There
are, in active operation, banks, jobbing and importing houses, insurance
and real estate offices, commission houses, express offices, wholesale and
retail merchandising houses, etc., etc. In all of these establishments an
actual business is carried on by the student, who acts in turn as clerk,
salesman, book-keeper, cashier, agent, merchant, broker and banker. In
these various capacities he writes up notes, drafts, bills, statements of
account, orders, receipts, invoices, accounts sales, certificates, bills of
lading, contracts, deeds, leases, bills of sale, articles of copartnership, etc.
As a merchant, he buys, sells, ships, consigns, barters, and keeps a com-
plete and systematic record of all his transactions. As a banker, he
receives and pays out deposits, makes collections, loans, discounts, issues
certificates of deposit, buys and sells exchange, issues and transfers stock,
and enters up the results of these transactions into the proper books. So
thorough and practical is this system of instruction that the graduates of
this college can pass directly from the school-room to the counting house.
There is also connected with the college a telegraph institute, where
pupils are thoroughly fitted for operators. We must not forget to mention,
however, that ladies are now admitted into all the college departments, and
that about twenty-five are already in attendance. This is one of the Bry-
ant & Stratton Colleges so long and favorably known throughout the coun-
try. Its scholarships are good in all the schools of the Association. Ad-
ditional particulars regarding this school may be had by consulting the
circular of the college, which will be found in another part of this book.
For full information regarding course of study, expenses, etc., address, E.
P. Heald, President Business College, San Francisco, Cal.
82 wooixg.
WOOING.
A little bird once met another bird
And whistled to her, "Will you be my mate?"
With fluttering wings she twittered, " How absurd ?
Oh, what a silly pate!"
And off unto a distant tree she flew
To find concealment in its friendly cover,
And passed the hours in slyly peeping through
At her rejected lover.
The jilted bird, with drooping heart and wing,
Poured forth his grief all day in plaintive song —
Telling in sadness to the ear of Spring
The story of his wrongs.
But little thought he, while each nook and dell
With the wild music of his plaint were thrilling,
That scornful breast with sighs began to swell —
Half pitying and half willing.
Next month I walked the same sequestered way,
When close together on a twig I spied them,
And in a nest half hid with leaves there lay
Four little birds beside them.
Coy maid, this moral in your ear I drop :
When lovers' hopes within their hearts you prison
Fly out of sight and hearing; do not stop
To look behind and listen.
A discontented fellow, who imagines that all mankind are like unto
himself, pitches into them as follows :
Man's a fool!
When it's hot he wants it cool;
When it's cool he wants it hot;
Ne'er contented with his lot.
When it's dry,
He for showers is sure to sigh;
When — to meet his wish — it rains,
Of the wet the fool complains.
Hot or cold, or dry or wet,
Nothing suits that he can get;
I consider as a rule,
Man's a fool!
A flight of imagination.— Cissy — " So you are going away, Effie, and we
shall have no more races round the garden for bon bons." Effie — " Tes,
Cissv, dear. And if we don't meet in this world again, when you are an
angel, and I am an angel, I'll fly you for a box of chocolate creams."
*
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 33
OUR INVENTORS OF THE PACIFIC STATES.
Dewey & Co., Patent Agents, southeast corner of California and
Montgomery streets. — Our inventors are found among the noblest minds of
all our professions, and industrial classes — miners, mechanics, farmer?,
manufacturers, and laborers. The pursuits of life on this coast seem to
engender a freedom of thought. This, with other causes, has given to
California, and some of its neighboring States, a greater number of patents,
in proportion to the population, than emanate from other portions of
the United States.
About three hundred patents are granted annually to Pacific Coast
inventors. The subject of our inventions are greatly diversified, many of
them are in reality the children of necessity, brought forth by the novel,
and extensive character of our mines, and natural resources, our varied
products, and the peculiar character of climate, soil and situation.
The records in the U. S. Patent Office, show also, that a much larger
proportion of the applications from this coast, are awarded patents,' than
those coming from other sections of the Union. This is unmistakably
creditable to the originality of our inventors, and also a significant
compliment to Messrs. Dewey & Co., publishers of the Scientific Press, and
the Pacific Mural Press, whose patent agency was established in San
Francisco, in 1860, and which is now the principal agency on this side of
the continent. A large proportion of all the U. S., and also the foreign
patents, taken out by Pacific Coast inventors have been solicited through
this successful and popular agency, whose inventive patrons may be
referred to by the thousands, numbering most of our oldest and most
successful patentees.
The rooms of this agency, (which all inventors and patentees are
cordially invited to visit), are on the southeast corner of California and
Montgomery streets. Here are kept on file, the original copies of an
immense number of caveats and patent specifications, with the only fall
reports of the U. S. Patent Office, from 1844, to be found on this coast.
With these are associated the most complete collections of patent law
books, foreign patent reports, scientific and mechanical papers, and other
useful publications of reference, essential for correct information to
inventors, who desire to know what has been patented before going to the
expense of applying for a patent. The familiarity of this establishment
with the inventions on this coast, and elsewhere, and their experience as
editors and publishers of industrial journals for many years; and their
knowledge of the general industries of our people, has enabled them, by
long tried and strict honesty to save many thousands of dollars to the inven-
tors of this coast, which would doubtless otherwise have been worse than
wasted by unsuccessful applications; through distant and less conscientious
solicitors.
Their Scientific Press, (mining and mechanical), and the Pacific Rural
Press, (agricultural), are both large, first-class illustrated journals, widely
circulated at home and abroad. All worthy inventions of their patrons
are liberally noticed in both journals at the most favorable time, giving
the agency of Dewey & Co., an extra power of benefiting their clients,
beyond that possessed by any other patent agency in the United States.
3
34 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
CARRIAGE AND CAR MANUFACTURERS.
Kimball Car Manufacturing- Company, comer Fourth and Bryant
streets. — The name of George P. Kimball is identified with the early history
of California, having commenced the business of carriage making in Sac-
ramento in 1851, where he continued till the great fire of that city in 1852,
when he removed to San Francisco, establishing in business on Market
street, near Fourth, in 1853, and soon by his popularity and strict attention
to business, built up a large trade, and became widely known as adopting
all the improvements in the manufacturing business, making all the later
styles of vehicles and even inventing himself. Among Mr. Kimball's
more prominent inventions is his light carriage and buggy spring, a com-
bination of the thoroughbrace and wooden spring now so popular, and so
extensively used in this city and elsewhere. But the great epoch from
which to date the foundation of the extensive business of this company,
occurred in 1865, in the association in business of that well-known
Californian, Captain R. L. Ogden, who assumed charge of the business and
financial department for which his extensive experience had so well fitted
him, while Mr. Kimball devoted all his energies to the management and
superintendence of the manufacturing department, by this arrangement
and consequent increase of business capital, they soon found their accom-
modations for manufacturing too small, and in 1868 procured a lot of land
on the corner of Fourth and Bryant streets, two hundred and seventy-five
feet square, on which they erected a three story brick building of five hun-
dred and fifty feet in length, together with other smaller enclosures, making
by far the largest establishment of the kind on the Pacific Coast, their
works covering an area of nearly two acres, and manufacturing goods not
only for all the Pacific States and Territories, but even reaching as far east as
Denver City, and west to New Zealand, China and Japan, where they now
have a large and prosperous trade.
While the Kimball Car Manufacturing Company build every variety of
carriages, wagons, buggies etc., the great feature of their manufactory
is car building, which has reached extensive proportions, embracing not
only all styles of street cars, but every variety of railroad cars, even to the
most superb palace, drawing-room, sleeping, and dining-room cars not
excelled, if equaled, by any eastern or foreign make.
In passing through their factory we were astonished at the extent this
branch of their business had attained, and the reader, should he avail
himself of a like visit to their institution, will exclaim that " the half had
never been told." Here on one portion of their enclosure they have erected
two long buildings, about one hundred and fifty feet in length, by fifty feet
in width, devoted exclusively to the wood working department of car
building.
They are now working in their employ in the various capacities of their
manufactory, two hundred hands, all of them well skilled in their depart-
ments, so that they are perfectly safe in warranting every vehicle made at
•their factory, and what is of equal importance, they can fully compete with
the East in cost, and the best proof is that importations of wagons, cars,
etc., have almost entirely ceased, not being 25 per cent, of the importation
three years ago.
1
POETRY. 35
SONNET.
" There are three things that fill my heart with sighs,
And steep my soul in laughter (when I view
Fair maiden forms moving like melodies) —
Dimples, roselips, and eyes of any hue.
There are three things beneath the blessed skies
For which I live — black eyes, and brown, and blue :
I hold them all most dear ; but oh ! black eyes,
I live and die, and only die for you.
Of late such eyes looked at me — while I mused,
At sunset, underneath a shadowy plane,
In old Bayona nigh the southern sea —
From a half-open lattice looked at me.
I saw no more, only those eyes — confused
And dazzled to the heart with glorious pain."
POETRY RUN MAD.
The St. Louis Times gives the following specimen of poetry. The write r
evidently " means business," and has " gone in on his nerve :"
I stood upon the ocean's briny shore,
And with a fragile reed I wrote
Upon the sand —
"Agnes, I love thee! "
The mad waves rolled by and blotted out
The fair impression.
Frail reed! Cruel wave! Treacherous sand!
I'll trust ye no more ;
But with giant hand I'll pluck
From Norway's frozen shore,
Her tallest pine, and dip its top
Into the crater of Yesuvius,
And upon the high and burnished Heavens
I'll write —
"Agnes ! I love thee ! ' '
And I would like to see any
Dog-goned wave wash that out.
THE BAKER'S REPLY TO THE NEEDLE-PEDDLER.
I need not your needles — they're needless to me ;
•For kneading of needles were needless, you see ;
But did my neat trowsers but need to be kneed,
I then should have need of your needles indeed.
Why is a parson generally a patient angler ? Because he would like to
have the reputation of a "judicious Hooker."
36 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
SHIRTS AND COLLARS.
Mrs. Eveline Morris, 526 Kearny street. — The manufacture of shirts
has been reduced to a science by Mrs. Morris, who has made it a life-time
study. That trite old adage, "Jack at all, trades, is good at none," is
exemplified no more fully in any occupation than that of shirt making —
for what man has not had the bitter experience of bad fitting, uncomfort-
able and illy-made shirts, who has purchased those made for the trade ?
The writer of this article can speak from his own knowledge, having worn
• both kinds, and we feel that if the choice was left to us whether we should
take the trade shirts as gifts, or pay two prices for those made by Mrs.
Morris, we should take the latter. A good fitting shirt will wear nearly
twice as long, and then the material used is much better; but more than
all these, is the comfort and ease one feels when arrayed in nicely fitted
garments. It aids digestion by peace and quiet of mind, and thereby
produces happiness, and consequently lengthens out the journey of life.
Mrs. Morris commenced the business of shirt manufacturing in this
city in 1864, adopting a different plan from any other factory — that of
calling at private residences, public offices, places of business or rooms at
hotels, through appointment made by letter, or otherwise, takes measures
and returns orders one week from date.
On Tuesday, of every other week, she visits Sacramento, receiving
orders at the Golden Eagle Hotel of that city, where she will be pleased to
fill any she may receive. Mrs. Morris having a system of her own, taking
the measure and acting as cutter, personally, guarantees her goods to
please the most fastidious.
A.t the Mechanics' Fair in 1864, there was quite a lively competition for
the award of the first premium, and the committee, after a careful and
thorough examination, unanimously gave it to Mrs. Morris for the best
shirts., and at the subsequent Pairs of this Institute she has maintained
her former position; also the first premium has been awarded her at the
California State Fair, county Fairs of Sonoma and San Joaquin, as the
diplomas hanging on the walls of her establishment fully attest, and been
honored with that well deserved sobriquet, The Premium Shirt Maker
op the Pacific Coast.
Gentlemen's underwear is also given especial attention, in which Mrs.
Morris excels., having also obtained the first premium for her exhibitions
in this line, at the Mechanics' and State Fairs, every time she entered them,
in competition with other manufacturers. In her manufacture of drawers,
she has little peculiarities of her own invention, that add greatly to their
value and give them their superiority over others in use.
Mrs. Morris solicits the continuation of her former patronage, and
especially invites strangers to call and examine her work and prices at
526 Kearny street. No better proof of the good quality and value of one's
goods can be shown, than the fact that after having once secured a
customer, she always retains him.
With the Bard of Avon we can truly say : "For the dress oft proclaims
the man."
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 37
PAINTS AND OILS.
Averill Chemical Paint Co., Office, corner Fourth and Toivnsend streets.
— We desire to call attention to the Averill Chemical Paint, which claims
to be superior to all other paints in use. It is prepared from a chemical
formula; it will not spoil by standing; its colors are more firmly held
than possible by any other method; it does resist the atmospheric changes
of the California climate to a much greater degree than any other paint in
use, of which we have abundant testimonials. We would refer to the
buildings in Oakland and vicinity which have been painted over three
years.
These paints have been in use several years, being now manufactured
and sold very extensively in the Eastern States, consequently is no new
thing. Its cost is less than Pure Lead, and no waste or trouble in mixing,
and will cover one-fifth more surface with a better body and finish. It
works well on Brick, Wood, Stone, Iron or any other material.
It is beautiful, durable, elastic, water-proof and fire-proof, rendered
so by the Silicate of Soda (Water Glass), which it contains.
It is mixed ready for use, of the purest white and a great variety of
beautiful Tints and Colors, and sold only by the gallon.
Send for Circular, Sample Card and Price List.
JESSE HEALY, }
[-Agents.
M. C. JEWELL, J
At a social party, where humorous definitions was one of the games of
the evening, the question was put: "What is Religion?" "Religion,"
replied one of the party, more famous as a man of business than a wit,
" is an insurance against fire in the next world, for which honesty is the
best policy."
A young girl who recently married a millionaire, is now said to have
an old head on young shoulders.
SCHOOL FURNITURE.
W. J. T. Palmer & Co., Office, 323 California street; Factory, 105
Mission street. — The manufactory of school and office furniture has become
quite a business on this coast, and this popular firm occupy the front rank
in their line, having made the furniture of some of our finest and most
elaborately furnished offices on the Pacific Coast.
The Lick House bar, which in all its appointments, is not excelled for
its beauty and ornamentation in the United States, is the work of Messrs.
Palmer & Co. This firm have recently rebuilt and enlarged their factory
owing to the increased demand for their goods. Their cabinets for
mineralogical specimens are so arranged that both sides of the mineral can
be seen from the front, by the aid of a mirror constructed in the back.
Messrs. Palmer <fe Co., are giving especial attention to the manufacture of
goods from California woods, and it is well worth one's time to visit their
factory to see what ingenious devices in the carving of wood, has been
attained in our midst.
38 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.
H. M. Balch, 432 Kearny street, comer California, up stairs. — Mr.
Balch is the only thoroughly practical musical instrument maker in this
city, having had twenty-five years' experience in some of the most popular
manufacturing establishments in the world.
He commenced the trade of piano-making with the justly celebrated
Driggs Piano Company, of New York, where he rose from an apprentice-
ship to the position of v foreman. After storing his mind with all that could
be learned in the manufacture of pianos, he connected himself with that
popular organ and melodeon factory, Geo. A. Prince & Co., of Buffalo, N.
Y., where he was successor to Mr. Hamlin, of that renowned firm of Mason
& Hamlin, of Boston. Mr. Balch remained with Messrs. Prince & Co.
until he had mastered that branch, and when there was no longer anything
more to learn from this source, his mind and nature yearning for a com-
plete knowledge in every department of the manufacturing of musical
instruments, and his fixed and determined purpose to master every branch
of his profession, he associated himself with E. G.Wright and Graves & Sons
of Boston, well-known and popular brass instrument makers, where his
large experience, with his ready, intuitive perception, soon made him
" master of the situation." ThusdidMr. Balch labor for a full score of years,
and has laid a foundation for a permanent and prosperous business and the
musical fraternity of San Francisco, and of the Pacific Coast, may well feel
proud that they have one among them on whom they can depend to keep
and put in order every instrument known to the musical profession, from
a church organ to a jewsharp.
Mr. Balch came to San Francisco in the early part of 1867 and associated
himself with that well-known musical house, Kohler, Chase <fc Co., to
whom he gave valuable assistance while he remained with them. He has
now in his employ Mr. Graves, a son of the elder Graves, and formerly
one of the firm of Graves & Sons, of Boston, who is also a thoroughly
practical man ; so that Mr. Balch is prepared to say to the musicians of the
Pacific Coast, he is ready to repair all instruments, of whatever nature, at
reasonable rates, whether sent by express or otherwise, and our word for
it, all patronage will prove well deserved.
Children's Arms. — A distinguished Paris physician says : " I believe
that, during the twenty years I have practiced my profession, twenty
thousand children have been carried to the cemeteries, a sacrifice to the
absurd custom of exposing their arms. Put the bulb of a thermometer
into a baby's mouth, and the mercury rises to ninety degrees. Now carry
the same to its little hand; if the arm be bare, and the evening cool, the
mercury will sink fifty degrees. Of coiirse all the blood that flows through
these arms must fall from ten to forty degrees below the temperature of
the heart. Need I say when these currents of the blood flow back to the
chest, the child's vitality must be more or less compromised ? And need I
add that we ought not to be surprised at its frequent recurring affections of
the tongue, throat or stomach ? I have seen more than one child, with
habitual cough or hoarseness, entirely relieved by simply keeping the
hands and arms warm."
THE GERMAN BY MOONLIGHT. 39
THE GERMAN BY MOONLIGHT.
NAUGHTY, BUT DELICIOUS.
Oh! Lulu, what lots you are losing,
Condemned to that stupid croquet
And the country, instead of amusing
Yourself in an elegant way!
Just fancy the fun and flirtation;
The dresses, the drives, and the gloves,
Four buttons, the latest sensation,
Sublimed from an idea of Love's.
Not the gloves, dear; but darling, delicious,
Bewitching, enchanting, and new —
Aunt Prue says it's horrid and vicious —
The German by Moonlight, Lulu!
I'll tell you the way we arrange it,
This sweetest and new social prank —
I vow that I wouldn't exchange it: —
With Jim — for pa's balance in bank!
We turn out the gas, as a matter
Of course; then throw open the blinds,
And let in the moonlight; the latter
'S a simple suspicion of shines.
The light's just sufficient! The corners
Are charming for those who have past
The outposts of flirting. Belle Warners
Is going it rather too fast!
You know very well, I am no girl
To gossip, or hint at a fall,
But Belle wears a necklace of snow pearl;
His wife wears no necklace at all!
Well, what with the perfumes and music,
The dinners, the dancing, the fun,
Night merges in morning too, too quick —
I wish I could smother the sun!
Deeollette's the hight of the season,
Or rather the depth, I should say;
And really it's right, and its reason
To make a clean breast when one may.
We know, Lu, that words can't discover
The magic that lies in low neck.
Jim says — but then Jim is my lover —
I don't mind what he says, a speck.
40 HOW LONG TO STARVE.
I did not dream how much I loved him,
Till we Germaned by moonlight, it's true;
Propinquity's certainly proved him
A partner il y en a un peul
Jim's form is as fine as Apollo;
Such whiskers! such teeth! and such hair!
And the set of his bosom and collar
Is really divine, I declare!
He has the most eloquent fingers,
Attached to a grizzly bear arm;
And if that promiscuously lingers,
I'm sure I can't see where's the harm.
For Luln, I don't mind confessing,
To Alice, and you, and Kate Deven,
I feel, when we waltz and Jim's pressing,
I feel, well, I feel I'm in heaven!
There surely is right in what raises
Two humans to heaven, with a vim;
Aunt Prudence may blow till she blazes,
I go for the German and Jim!
HOW LONG TO STARVE.
A man will die for want of air in five minutes, for want of sleep in ten
days, for want of water in a week, for want of food at varying intervals,
dependent on constitution, habits of life, and the circumstances of the
occasion. Instances have been given where persons have been said to live
many weeks without eating a particle of food; but when opportunities have
been offered for a fair investigation of the case, it has been invariably found
that a weak and wicked fraud has been at the bottom of it.
On the 28th of August, the captain of a Boston whaler was wrecked.
For eight days he could not get a drop of water, nor a particle of food. On
the day of the wreck, he weighed a hundred and ninety pounds; when
rescued, he weighed a hundred pounds. A teaspoonful of brandy was
given to each sailor; but before they could be taken aboard the vessel
which saved them, they became unconscious, and remained so for two
days, but all eventually recovered. Many persons have been killed by
eating too much, after having fasted for a long time; the safe plan of pro-
cedure, is to feel the way along, as persons who are traveling in the dark
and fear a precipice ahead; there can be no one rule given, because there
are so many modifying circumstances. Give a teaspoonful of hot drink at
a time, and if no ill result, repeat in five minutes, and the same amount of
soft food, boiled rice, or softened bread, or gruel; for the stomach is itself
as weak as the sufferer in proportion, and can only manage a very small
amount of food. — Journal of Health.
Would you be surprised to learn that the man who stole the judge's
coat shortly afterwards appeared in a law suit ?
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 41
CANDIES, NUTS, ETC.
It. Lehman & Co., (successors to C. Borchard,) 405 Davis street. —
Messrs. Lehman & Co., have recently moved from 413, their old stand,
where they have so many years supplied their delicate sweets; but business
accumulating, their old establishment not affording room, they have
removed to that new large brick building, 405 Davis street, a few doors
south, where they have added to their manufactory all the new and valua-
ble improvements in the line of their business, and will therefore be
enabled to successfully compete with the best houses of the coast, in
quantity, quality and prices.
The first premiums at the Mechanics' Fair for 1871, was awarded to this
enterprising firm, for the best confectionery, when placed before good
judges in competition with other manufacturers.
Since Messrs. Lehman & Co., have occupied their new establishment,
they have added a new and important branch to their business, the impor-
tation of tropical fruits, dates, figs, citron, etc., and all varieties of nuts,
which they offer to the trade at the most reasonable rates.
Dealers from the interior would do well to give them a call before
making their purchases elsewhere; as they manufacture all their candies,
and import their fruits and nuts direct.
Baking pears — Couples dancing on a hot night.
How to prevent fits: — Buy ready-made boots.
An early din-ner — The milk bell.
ARTIFICIAL TEETH.
Dr. H. A. Luther, Dentist, 24 Post street. — After twenty years of
successful practice in the city of New York, Dr. Luther has located himself
in San Francisco, where he hopes, by introducing all of the latest
improvements both in Surgical and Mechanical Dentistry, to merit the
kind patronage of the public, at prices within the means of all. Artificial
Teeth — beautiful and substantial sets — only $15, and warranted equal to
any work made in New York or San Francisco, and embodying the most
modern and scientific improvements, which for beauty, durability and
cheapness, cannot be surpassed at any price. Teeth extracted without the
least pain, and no charge for extracting where teeth are to be inserted.
Dr. Luther's painless White Platina Filling for sensitive and decayed teeth.
Teeth filled without the least pain, in the most perfect manner, with pure
Gold and chemically pure White Platina, for $1 00 and upwards, and
warranted for life. The merest shells of decayed and aching teeth restored
to their original shape and usefulness. Extracting teeth rendered in most
cases unnecessary. Dr. Luther makes a specialty of the treatment of the
natural teeth, viz : Filling, cleaning and regulating natural teeth in the
most skillful manner, and at very moderate prices. All who value a fine
and healthy dentition will not fail to avail themselves of^his services. By
having your work done at this office you will save from 50 to 100 per cent.,
and all work warranted first-class. Please call and see specimens. Office
hours from 8 A. m. to 6 p. m.
42
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OP SAN FRANCISCO.
Mitt STONES.
Travis & Wagner, 41 First street.— A. number of attempts have been
made here in the manufacture of mill stones. Messrs. Travis & Wagner,
pioneers in this line, by industry, perseverance and fair dealing, have
built up a business that now defies competition. They do their own work,
do it well, and can undersell the Eastern market. They have been in
successful operation for the last six years, and now have full possession
of the field.
In addition to their French Burr Mill Stone, they put up a Portable
Mill
a
of different sizes, an illustration of which- is here given, adapted for grain
or quartz. The. stone selected for the quartz-mill is exceedingly hard,
grinding the rock to be crushed to the finest flour.
Mill Picks are kept on hand and dressed. Mill stones are repaired and
balanced with Fellenbaum's patent balance.
They are agents for Dufour & Go's celebrated Dutch Anchor Bolting
Cloths, and at the same time do a large business in the Way of making ixp
bolting cloths for this market. They keep on hand Smut Machines, Bran
Dusters, Mill Irons, Spindles, Bails, etc.
A CURIOUS MEDICAL EXPERIMENT.
In Russia, not long since^ it is said, some murderers were placed,
without knowing it, in four beds where four persons % had died of the
cholera. They did not take the disease. They were then told that they
were to sleep in Jjeds where some persons had died of malignant cholera;
but the beds were in fact, new, and had not been used at all. Neverthe-
less, three of them died of the disease within four hours.
To-night birds — Whatever you do, mend the break of day.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 43
w
HARDWARE.
(WHOLESALE.)
Linfbrth, Kellogg & Co., 3 and 5 Front street, San Francisco. — This
firm succeeded, four years ago, the Veil-known house of L. B. Benchley
& Co., who started the business on Battery street, in the year 1852, and
continued it there until 1864-5, when the increase of trade required larger
premises and induced them to erect for their own use the elegant three-
story building on Front street, which they occupied until 1868. At this
time the senior partner was called to the supervision of the Pacific
Rolling Mill and Pacific Linseed Oil and Lead Works, in which enter-
prises he with another member of the firm were largely interested, thus
terminating the old firm of L. B. Benchley & Co.
The new firm entered upon business in the store occupied by their pre-
decessors, in fact took up the business where the previous firm left off,
extending its ramifications into still more distant localities, as our western
country opened up, and as fast as facilities have come into existence
for trade with Asia, Australia and New Zealand, until it now numbers cus-
tomers from all the Pacific States and Territories, from Mexico and the
Islands of the Pacific, from Australia and New Zealand, from China and
Japan, and other distant localities which the enterprise of California mer-
chants is opening up to commerce. <f
To insure the success of a business such as this, it is necessary that
the stock of goods kept should be always complete, and should come from
first hands direct, two essentials kept steadily in view by the present firm.
Hence there may be found in their house the fullest line of shelf -hardware,
pocket and table cutlery, mechanics' tools and agricultural implements,
pumps and gas pipe, nails, rope, fuse, shot, bar lead and ammunition, all
direct from the sources of production in the United States, England and
Germany, insuring lowest market prices to purchasers.
A visit to this establishment will show that a thorough system of sam-
pling exists, which, together with competent salesmen, speaking not only
English, but Spanish, French, and German, enables patrons to select their
goods, and get their business attended to, with far more promptitude and
dispatch than where such facilities do not exist, and which is a matter of
the utmost importance where time is of so much value as it is in this
money-getting age and country.
In addition to the business already enumerated this firm is sole agent
for the Pacific Coast for the following: — The ''World " Mowers and Reap-
ers, " Ohio " Mowers and Reapers, and "Tornado" Threshers, manufac-
tured by E. Ball <fc Co., Canton, Ohio; for Rumsey & Co's Pump and Fire
Engine Works, Seneca Falls, New York; and for Woolworth Handle
Works, Sandusky, Ohio, whose goods are constantly in stock.
Visitors to San Francisco could profitably spend an hour in examining
the varieties of goods in this establishment, and would be treated with
every courtesy, whether they came to buy or not.
44
THE PUBLIC TO MARK TWAIN.
THE PUBLIC TO MARK TWAIN.
CORRESPONDENCE .
-i
San Francisco, June 30th.
I r. Mark Twain — Dear Sir : Hearing that you are about to sail for
New York in the P. M. S. S. Company's steamer of the 6th July, to
publish a book, and learning with the deepest concern that you
propose to read a chapter or two of that book in public before you go, we
take this method of expressing our cordial desire that you will not.
We beg and implore you do not. There is a limit to human endurance.
We are your personal friends. We have your welfare at heart. We
desire to see you prosper — and it is upon these accounts and upon these
only, that we urge you to desist from the new atrocity you contemplate.
Yours, truly,
Wm. H. L. Barnes,
Rear-Ad'l Thatcher,
Samuel Williams,
Gen. McCook,
Geo. R. Barnes,
Noah Brooks,
Maj. Gen. Halleck,
J. B. Bowman,
Leland Stanford,
John McComb,
Capt. Pease,
A. Badlam,
John Skae,
Abner Barker,
Dr. Bruner,
Louis Cohn,
Mercantile Library,
T. J. Lamb,
Prop'rs Occidental,
" Russ House,
" Cosmopolitan,
" Lick House,
Michael Reese,
Frank Soule,
Dr. Shorb,
Pioche, Bayerque & Co.,
Asa D. Nudd,
Ben. Truman,
O. O. Eldridge,
Board of Aldermen,
The Masons,
Cal. Labor Exchange,
Ex-Governor Low,
Brig. Gen. Leonard,
Robt. Rockwell,
Stephen J. Field,
B. C. Horn,
Geo. Pen Johnson,
Maj. Gen. Ord,
Bret Harte,
J. W. Tucker,
R. B. Swain,
Ned Ellis,
Judge Lake,
Joseph H. Jones,
Col. Catherwood,
Dr. McNulty,
A. J. Marsh,
Sam. Piatt,
Wm. C. Ralston,
Mayor McCoppin,
E. B. Rail,
R. L. Ogden,
Thos. Cash,
M. B. Cox,
The Citizen Military,
The Odd Fellows,
The Orphan Asylum,
Various Benevolent Societies,
Citizens on Foot and Horseback,
And 1,500 in the Steerage.
THE PUBLIC TO MARK TWAIN. 45
[reply.]
San Francisco, June 30th.
To the 1500 and Others : It seems to me that your course is
entirely unprecedented. Heretofore, when lecturers, singers, actors, and
other frauds, have said they were about to leave town, you have always
been the very first people to come out in a card beseeching them to hold
on for just one night more, and inflict just one more performance on the
public — but as soon as J" want to take a farewell benefit, you come after
me with a card signed by the whole community and the Board of Alder-
men, praying me not to do it. But it isn't of any use. You cannot move
me from my fell purpose. I will torment the people if I want to. I have
a better right to do it than these strange lecturers and orators, that come
here from abroad. It only costs the public a dollar apiece, and, if they
can't stand it, what do they stay here for ? Am I to go away and let
them have peace and quiet for a year and a half, and then come back and
only lecture them twice ? What do you take me for ?
No, gentlemen, ask of me anything else, and I will do it cheerfully;
but do not ask me not to afflict the people. I wish to tell them all I know
about Venice. I wish to tell them about the City of the Sea — that most
venerable, most brilliant, and proudest Republic the world has ever seen.
I wish to hint at what it achieved in twelve hundred years, and what it
cost in two hundred. I wish to furnish a deal of pleasant information,
somewhat highly spiced, but still palatable, digestible, and eminently
fitted ior the intellectual stomach. My last lecture was not as fine as I
thought it was, but I have submitted this discourse to several able critics,
and they have pronounced it good. Now, therefore, why should I with-
hold it.
Let me talk only just this once, and I will sail positively on the 6th
July, and stay away until I return from China — two years.
Yours, truly, Mark Twain.
San Francisco, June 30th.
Mr. Mark Twain : Learning with profound regret that you have
concluded to postpone your departure until the 6th July, and learning,
also, with unspeakable grief, that you propose to read from your forth-
coming book, or lecture again before you go, at the New Mercantile
Library, we hasten to beg of you that you will not do it. Curb this spirit
of lawless violence, and emigrate at once. Have the vessel's bill for your
passage sent to us. We will pay it. Your friends,
Pacific Board of Brokers,
Wells, Fargo & Co.,
The Merchants' Exchange,
Pacific Union Express Co.,
The Bank of California,
Ladies' Co-operative Union,
S. F. Olympic Club,
Cal. Typographical Union.
46 THE PUBLIC TO MARK TWAIN.
^ San Francisco, June 30th.
Me. Mark Twain — Dear Sir : Will you start, now, without any un-
necessary delay ? Yours, truly,
Proprietors of the Alta, Bulletin, Times, Call, Examiner, Figaro, Spirit
of the Times, Dispatch, News Letter, Golden City, Golden Era,
Dramatic Chronicle, Police Gazette, The Califomian, 'The Overland
Monthly.
San Francisco, June 30th.
Mr Mark Twain — Dear Sir : Do not delay your departure. You can
come back and lecture another time. In the language of the worldly— you
can " cut and come again." Your friends, The Clergy.
San Francisco, June 30th.
Mr. Mark Twain — Dear Sir : You had better go. Yours,
The Chief of Police.
[reply.]
San Francisco, June 30th.
Gentlemen : Restrain your emotions; you observe that they cannot
avail. Read :
NEW MERCANTILE LIBRARY, BUSH STREET.
THURSDAY EVENING JULY 2, 1868, ONE NIGHT ONLY.
FAREWELL LECTURE OF MARK TWAIN,
Subject: The Oldest of the Republics, VENICE, Past and Present.
Box Office open Wednesday and Thursday — No extra charge for
Reserved Seats.
admission one dollar
Doors open at 7. Orgies to commence at 8 p. M.
pS°. The public displays and ceremonies projected to give fitting eclat
to this occasion, have been unavoidably delayed until the 4th. The lecture
will be delivered certainly on the 2d, and the event will be celebrated two
days afterward by a discharge of artillery on the 4th, a procession of
citizens, the reading of the Declaration of Independence, and by a gor-
geous display of fire-works from Russian Hill in the evening, which I
have ordered at my sole expense, the cost amounting to eighty thousand
dollars.
AT NEW MERCANTILE LIBRARY, BUSH STREET.
THURSDAY EVENING, JULY 2, 1868.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OP SAN FRANCISCO. 47
Historical Sketch
If you had been in San Francisco some years ago, you might have seen
two young men wending their way toward Market street. On reaching
their destination they hurriedly went up stairs, took off their coats and
proceeded to put things to rights in the little office, of which they had just
obtained possession. Five different firms had preceded them, and each
bad failed, but these new comers hoped by strict attention, upright conduct
and good work, to triumph, and thus far they have not been disappointed.
The office has since then quadrupled its material and capacity for the
dispatch of business. Three diplomas have been awarded them by the
San Francisco Mechanics' Institute, for the best printing exhibited at three
consecutive Fairs. Their patrons are scattered not only throughout
California, but in Oregon, Washington Territory, Nevada, Utah, Arizona
and Mexico; and the end is not yet. The two partners are still, as in
younger days, ever ready to do their duty to their patrons, and are
determined to maintain the reputation they have earned for good work at
reasonable rates. It is hardly necessary to add that the two -persons
referred to are Wm. M. Cubery, and F. W. Van Reynegom, and that the
firm is the well-known one of Cubery & Co., Book, Job and Ornamental
Printers, 1 536 Market street, San Francisco.
Few of the sons of Adam realize to what varied uses printing has been
put, and to what extent it has benefited the human race. To succeed, the
business man must seek the aid of the printer, and what a source of pleas-
ure it is when he first beholds his name in print. Countless bargains have
been secured by a discreet use of circulars, cards and posters, and to them
many are indebted for their prosperity in a business point of view; and
doubtless many failures could be traced to the fact that the parties had
neglected to use the printing press with sufficient frequency.
Show Cards are the most permanent advertisements known to the craft.
What is more pleasing to the eye of mortals than a show Card printed in
a variety of colors! The green letters make us think of our early days
when we sported in the fields and woods; the violet, of the tiny flower so
highly prized; the blue, of the sky and ocean hue; red and gold of the
glorious sunsets; and when combined revive memories that make us look
with favor on the firm that will thus unite the beautiful with the practical.
Admission Cards — The above remarks apply with equal force to cards
of admission; for " coming events cast their shadows before." A poor card
foretells a meagre programme, while an elegant one is the forerunner of a
refined and agreeable entertainment. Visiting Cards should be used more
generally. It is evidence of a mean, narrow mind for either a lady or
gentleman to be without these mementos of friendship when making calls.
We might go on and state facts illustrating the advantages to be derived
from the use of billheads, statements, circulars and labels, and the facilities
possessed by the firm for printing transcripts, briefs, books and blanks of
all kinds, but we forbear — only send your order for any kind of printing,
be it a tiny card or a gigantic poster,, and they will be promptly done.
Parties outside of the city can send orders for goods not in our line and
they will be filled without delay. Address all orders to Cubery & Co.,
Printers, 536 Market street, San Francisco.
48 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
BOOKSELLERS.
A. Roman & Co., H Montgomery street, Lick House Block. — Publish-
ers, Booksellers, Importers and Stationers, Wholesale and Retail. — This
house was established in 1856, and has gained a high reputation for fair
dealing and spirit of enterprise. Following the tide, they have recently
emigrated from their old quarters, 419 Montgomery street, to 11 Montgom-
ery street, Lick House Block, and their new store will well repay a visit.
It is far more roomy, convenient and elegant, than were the old quarters —
the general appearance is quite inviting. The wood work is finished off
with white cedar and black walnut relief; the ceiling is finely frescoed;
all the appointments of tables, office, and fixtures generally, present a
harmonious effect. The store is one hundred and sixty-five feet in length.
It is divided, about midway, by the cashier's and private office of the firm,
which is inclosed by white cedar and black walnut woodwork, surmounted
by a glass partition. The office extends only part way across the store,
leaving an ample passage way on either side.
The arrangement of different classes of books and various branches of
the trade is very methodical ; at the right hand, on entering, one finds the
space occupied for a considerable distance by a special department, devoted
to fine wedding stationery, etc. Orders for all kinds of engraving, stamp-
ing, illuminating and card writing, executed in the highest style of the art.
Works of fiction, of which the present age is so prolific, follow next; then
works on belles lettres; then poetry and the drama; then travels, geogra-
phy and history; then miscellaneous books, including the literature of
Masonry and Odd Fellowship. On the left, and in front, are glass cases
containing books of costly and elegant binding, gift books, bibles, prayer
boGks, etc. The remainder of this side is devoted chiefly to books of a
solid character, scientific, agricultural, theological, medical, etc. Two
rows of tables finished in white cedar and walnut, bear a varied assortment
of albums, fancy articles and the latest arrival of new books. At the right,
near the cashier's office, the space is devoted to the books of the American
Sunday School Union, of which A. Roman & Co., are agents; also, to
juvenile and toy books of all styles and subjects. On the opposite side
are found samples of stationery for the wholesale trade, and also, the
assorted retail stock. The half of the store in the rear of the office, con-
tains the wholesale and packing department, and the shelves are loaded
principally with school text books on one side, and stationery on the other.
The store opens in the rear on Lick alley, through which the heavy
goods are received and distributed. In the basement of the store, which
is large and dry, is stored heavy stationery, books, slates, ink, school
supplies, etc.
Steadily has this firm persevered through flush times and hard times,
each year extending the business until now it has assumed vast proportions ;
they have agents in New York, London and Paris, and are constantly
receiving shipments from all quarters, of new and standard goods. Each
and every steamer for Japan, China, Honolulu, Australia, Mexico and
British Columbia, carries heavy shipments of their goods. Their great
success is owing to their upright and liberal dealings, aided by the uniform
promptness in which all orders entrusted to them are executed.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO, 49
PIANOS.
Kohler, Chase & Co., 633-5 Clay -street. — thirty-eight thousand
pianos ! — Can any one realize or really comprehend what thirty-eight
thousand pianos would look like if gathered together in one place. Placed
end to end they would extend about sixty miles. They would fill Mont-
gomery street from Telegraph Hill to Market street twenty feet deep. They
would fill thirty-five hundred ordinary railroad cars, making a train
twenty-three miles long. They would weigh in the neighborhood of
twentj' thousand tons, and would be worth the enormous sum of eighteen
millions of dollars. So much for statistics. The next question is what of
it, and who, if anybody, has made so many ? — The answer is Chickering &
Sons — said to be about one quarter of the entire number used in America.
These figures speak volumes for the excellence of these renowned instru-
ments. Indeed Chickering pianos have come to be regarded by their
possessors very much the same as so much silver or gold which " can be
converted at a slight discount into cash whenever it is desirable to do so.
Let any one advertise a second-hand Chickering, in good order, for sale at
a small reduction from the regular price, and how quickly a purchaser is
found. Their name is regarded as a synonym for all that is desirable in a
piano. Did you ever lay the fingers of your left hand on the lower keys
of one of these instruments and observe how smooth, full and voluminous
were the tones produced, and how evenly and perfectly they run up from
one register into another ? What a fine singing quality the middle tones
have, like those of a pure soprano, while the higher ones are clear, brilliant
and liquid, possessing none of that wiry metallic quality so common in
many other instruments.
The tone of the Chickering piano is recognized all over the country;
differing widely from the loud, coarse tone of most pianos, which is bad
in the beginning and grows worse every day, inasmuch as it is refined and
delicate, pure in its vibrations, delightful in its singing capacity, and has
all the power, without noise, necessary to produce every legitimate effect.
We suppose that almost everybody is aware of the fact that Messrs.
Chickering & Sons carried off the highest honors at the great World's Fair
in Paris. — The fact was published with much pride by American news-
papers from one end of the Union to the other, and cited as evidence not
only of our superior mechanical skill, but also of our culture and progress
in sesthetics.
We believe that the Chickering is the only piano that has ever received
letters of endorsement from such men as Thalberg and Abbe Liszt, and we
assure our readers that it would have to be a very perfect instrument
indeed, that should secure a favorable expression from these worid-
renowned pianists and composers. Chickering & Sons do not attempt to
make any cheap instruments whatever, their prices ranging from five to
fifteen hundred dollars, but they do attempt to make none but first-class
instruments, and have succeeded so well that the word " Chickering," on
a piano gives it a square cash value, like Commodore Spinner's name on a
treasury note.
4
52 THE FUR TRADE — ITS PROGRESS AND IMPORTANCE.
The Fur Trade— Its Rise, Progress and Importance.
From the earliest ages furs have been used as clothing for man. In the
history of all nations we find that the skins of animals served to cover him
in his savage state, and protect him from the inclemency of the weather;
even Holy Writ informs us that after the expulsion of Adam and Eve from
Paradise, God clothed them in the skins of beasts; thus proving that the
furrier is the most ancient of handicraftsmen, being almost coeval with the
creation itself. In those days, however, the skins of animals were made
into suits without any regard to their appearance; warmth bemg the only
desideratum. Such is still the case with Laplanders, Esquimaux and
other nations, who have not progressed in civilization. As man, however,
advanced in art and science, he was no longer content to wear his
clothes for comfort alone, but his adornment became of as much if not of
more importance, and artists in furs were as necessary to the medieval
king as they are to the modern belle.
Furs besides being used for comfort and adornment, have also been
adopted as signs of regal state; a monarch has not for centuries been
crowned in Europe, without wearing a robe composed of royal Ermine, or
still more royal Sable.
The beauty, elegance and comfort of furs, soon led to their appropriation
by the softer sex, and man (tyrant though he be), has been forced to relin-
quish to them their almost total monopoly. In England and America,
gentlemen have for a considerable time used furs only as robes in driving,
and occasionally as caps and gloves. In Kussia, Germany, China and
Japan, the male sex still wear furs, but in all parts of the world where the
"cold zephyrs blow," woman asserts and enforces her right to be clad in
costly and royal furs.
The fur trade in Europe has long been one of its most important
branches of commerce. At the celebrated Fair held annually in Leipsig,
and at the London sales, millions of dollars' worth of furs are bought and
sold, merchants attending from all parts of the world; and we behold the
strange proceeding of New York merchants going there to purchase furs
which had passed through their own city, and paying freight for two
unnecessary voyages across the Atlantic. Of course, this foolish state of
affairs is destined soon to come to an end. What good reason can there be
for sending furs to Europe, there to pay tribute, and then bringing them
back to America; the fault so far has been in the short sightedness of New
York merchants, who refuse to pay anything near the same price for goods
in New York, as they afterwards are forced to do in London and Leipsig.
^ Until quite recently the United States depended upon Europe for their
supply of manufactured furs. They had long exported raw furs; but
forty years ago there were not three good furriers in the whole of America.
This state of affairs soon changed; the large German emigration brought
with it a number of furriers who soon established themselves in business,
and for the last twenty-five years not a dollar's worth of manufactured furs
has been imported. In all the principal cities of the Union furriers are
now to be found, mostly doing a good and profitable business.
In the history of our own State, it was many years before the fur trade
THE FUR TRADE — ITS PROGRESS AND IMPORTANCE. 5
assumed any prominence; our climate was not cold, but nevertheless the
cool summer evenings and moist winter days, soon led to a small importa-
tion, of manufactured furs from the East. For a time a flickering trade was
done, and there were some small .attempts at manufacturing, but it was not
until 1863, when the arrival in this city of two young men named Hermann
Liebes and Charles J. Behlow, (both practical furriers,) laid the foundation
upon the Pacific Slope of what is destined to become a gigantic commerce.
Messrs. Liebes and Behlow soon after their arrival in this city, associa-
ted themselves together and under the firm name of H. Liebes & Co.,
commenced the manufacture of furs. Their first place of business was
a small store next to the express office of Messrs. Wells, Fargo & Co.,
which was devoted entirely to retail trade; here they were eminently suc-
cessful and were soon forced to remove to more commodious premises.
The acquisition of Alaska gave an immense impetus to the fur trade of
San Francisco, of which Messrs. H. Liebes & Co. were not slow to take
advantage. One of the firm visited the North and made extensive busi-
ness arrangements, by which they were enabled to obtain their raw furs at
so cheap a rate that they at once established a wholesale trade. Oregon,
Nevada, Washington Territory and in fact all west of the Rocky Moun-
tains, soon became aware of the fact that they could purchase furs cheaper
in San Francisco than in New York. The opening of the transcontinental
railroad was another epoch in the fur trade, which like so many other
trades it is destined to revolutionize, and to fulfill Bishop Berkley's proph-
ecy that "Westward the Star of Empire takes its way."
Up to last May, Messrs. H. Liebes & Co. had confined their manufac-
ture to fine goods alone, but since their removal to their present extensive
premises, at No. 113 Montgomery street, they have manufactured furs of
low as well as of fine grades. Heretofore several Dry Goods and Millinery
jobbing houses had imported quantities of trashy furs from New York,
but this year they found it a losing game, as Messrs. H. Liebes & Co.
sold their furs of a low grade, (properly seasoned and well made up,)
at lower figures than the throwings out of the eastern markets (poor as
they were), could be imported for. Another leap forward has lately been
made: for several years past we have exported to the East and to London,
large quantities of raw furs, the produce of Alaska, British Columbia and
Oregon; but latterly large invoices of Sable, Ermine and Squirrel, have
been brought to this port from Siberia, thus concentrating immense quan-
tities of furs in this city, and making it the cheapest fur emporium in the
world. Taking advantage of this state of affairs Messrs. H. Liebes &, Co.
have commenced exporting manufactured furs; during the last year they
sold to eastern customers over thirty thousand dollars' worth of manufac-
tured goods, and they have now orders on their books from two of the
most important fur houses in New York, for twelve thousand dollars'
worth of fine manufactured furs, to be delivered in September next.
The fur establishment of Messrs. H. Liebes & Co., is one of the sights
of San Francisco, and is well worth a visit. It contains more superficial
square feet than any other similar magazine in the United States. It con-
sists of a massive iron building, four stories and basement, in the very
centre of the best block in Montgomery street, (No. 113); the whole of the
54 THE FUR TRADE — ITS PROGRESS AND IMPORTANCE.
edifice being devoted to the purposes of trade. We -will endeavor to des-
cribe the interior of this gigantic fur establishment.
The basement is devoted entirely to raw furs — Here they are received,
and from here they are shipped. In one corner stood several casks of furs
which had just been landed from a Russian bark; in another corner were
piled Sea Otter, Martin and Seal from Alaska; while another heap consisted
of Mink and other furs from nearer home. There were several men em-
ployed sorting,- arranging and packing goods for the London and New
York markets; being careful, however, to select the finest skins to be used
by Messrs. H. Liebbs &, Co. for their own manufacture. The first or
ground floor is used for retail trade, and suoh a profusion of furs as are
here exhibited is enough to turn any lady's brain. We saw a Russian
Sable jacket which had just been sold for one thousand dollars, and we
were assured that the same garment could not be bought in the East for
twice the sum. We also saw Ermine sacques and Mink sacques, and muffs
and boas of every fur, and of every shape. Some nice boas and collars
which we thought were as good as the best, are wholesaled at ninety cents
and one dollar and a half each. The second story is the wholesale depart-
ment, here are to be found merchants from all parts of the western slope,
selecting furs for their retail trade; more than one eastern merchant has
already made large purchases in this room, and soon no eastern dealer's
stock will be complete until he has paid a visit to No. 113 Montgomery
street, San Francisco. The third story is where the furs, after they are
tanned, are manufactured into garments. It looked like a bee hive, so
many nimble fingers were at work; more than forty men and women are
employed on this floor. The fourth floor is used as a tanning shop, here
the raw furs are dressed and cleaned. This floor is not so neat as the
others ; fur dressing is necessarily a dirty occupation. In this floor there
are " sulphur boxes," for bleaching, and " plaster of Paris rooms," where
nothing but Ermine is admitted. There are "sand drums," and other
complex machinery to be seen, and the room is well worth a visit; but we
would not recommend a lady dressed in black velvet to essay it.
Of course such prosperity has led others to engage in the business, and
within the last year a few small dealers have sprung up, all of them pur-
chasing the greater part of their stock from Messrs. H. Liebes & Co.
Fashions in furs are as variable as fashions in other garments ; and skins
which are valuable at one time, decline in price when the mode changes.
It is fortunate that it is so, for when the fur of a certain animal is in great
demand, and prices rule high, the poor animals are so closely hunted, that
if a change of style did not occur, their race would be exterminated. But
fashion (fickle jade as she is) comes to their rescue — their fur declines in
price, they are no longer in such demand; the hunter passes them by, and
time is given them to "increase and multiply," until another change in
ladies' dress once again places in their path the fatal trap.
immediately on a certain fur becoming fashionable, imitations spring up.
The fur dyer, an artist in his way, trys to imitate nature. In the East,
this species of imposition is extensively practiced — light skins are made
darker, and even the poor Muskrat is colored, and made to imitate the
genuine Mink. So far, this has been confined to Europe and the Eastern
States, but latterly some unprincipled dealers have introduced this chi-
THE FUR TRADE — ITS PROGRESS AND IMPORTANCE. 55
canery into San Francisco. Messrs. H. Liebes & Co. have determined
that no dyeing chemicals shall ever be introduced into their establishment,
and no dyeing machinery shall ever be set up, and they freely throw open
the whole of their premises to the public view, as an evidence of their
good faith.
In the times of our grandmothers, Bear was the favorite fur, a Russian
Bear called the Isabella, bringing fabulous prices. The bear was cut into
small strips, and tape was sewed in between; by this method twelve muffs
could be made out of one bear. Then came the Fox and the Lynx, and
more recently, Stone Martin, Baum Martin, Fitch and Opossum, which,
in their turn, had to succumb, and give place to the Mink; a fur which has
kept its hold on the fashionable world longer than any fur ever did before,
with the exception of Sable and Squirrel — Sable has been worn more or
less for the last five hundred years, and Squirrel, as a neat, cheap fur, has
been extensively used for the last fifty years, but the signs of a total
neglect of Squirrel are very prominent. The Seal, of which we have heard
so much, has made a desperate attempt to be placed in the front rank of
fashion, but it has not yet succeeded in displacing the long favorite Mink.
The style of garments has also undergone great mutations: the large
muffs of our ancestors have given way to the petite article of the present
day; the long, round boa, the victorine, the pelerine, the shawl, have all
had their seasons, but at present the "jacket" and the "collar," are most
distingue, while the "cape" has many friends, and the "jaunty boa" is
used with or without the "jacket."
Messrs. H. Liebes & Co. are in communication with the leading houses
of Paris, London, Berlin and New York, and are in constant receipt of the
latest fashions. So well is it understood that the firm of H. Liebes & Co.
is the " Glass of Fashion " in the San Francisco fur trade, that the other
dealers would not think of manufacturing an article for the ensuing
winter, until they have purchased their "patterns" from Messrs. H.
Liebes & Co.
It is curious how fashions are sometimes introduced. The fur cap, now
so universally worn by the ladies of San Francisco, is an instance. Messrs.
H. Liebes & Co. had just fiuished an order of three hundred fur caps for
a New York house — they had no idea of introducing them here — but acci-
dentally showed a few of them to a lady of taste; she declared " they were
just the thing," and purchased one for her own wear — and now a fashion-
able lady will not wear her furs, unless she has a fur cap from the stock of
Messrs. H. Liebes & Co.
Whether we are always to depend upon Paris for our fashions, is a prob-
lem the future must decide. The child may already be born who may
live to see our city, not only the leading fur mart of the world, but also the
point from which must radiate the decrees of fashion.
We thus see that from small beginnings the fur trade in San Francisco
has assumed great proportions, and its rise and progress we truly believe
will be one of the many wcnders of our wonderful city; and if the future
but keep pace with the past, — If China and Japan shall become tributary
to our fur market, (and there are already signs that they will soon do so,)
San Francisco as a fur centre will eclipse in the future, those old established
depots, Leipsig and London.
56 MATCH BOXES AND THEIR MAKERS.
MATCH-BOXES AND THEIR MAKEBS.
r you want a twinge of the heartache read the following plain little
sketch of match-boxes and their makers : Match-box making is
carried on at home, and every member of the family, from the baby
upward, joins in it. For every one of the fragile cases which are passed
from hand to hand so lightly, represents several departments of labor, and
materials which are entirely distinct. "First there's the wood shavins',
such as this " — it is the mother of three children under seven years of
age, and all at work, who is speaking — " there's a couple of them, they are
already creased for bending into shape when they come to us. They form
the match-box, and are made ready for shaping by machines, which are
worked by boys. Of course, if I could afford it, I'd 'ave a creasing
machine of my own, for my elder boy there could work it nicely, and
we'd make more money out of every gross. Well, sir, one of these
shavins' makes the outer part of the match-box, and this other shavin',
which you see, is just a trifle less siae, makes the inner part. Then there's
a bit of colored paper, like this, which has to be pasted on the inner half
to make it look tasty like; and there's this label, with the maker's name
we work for, has to be pasted on the outer box. The sand-paper comes
next, and is pasted at the bottom like this. The sand-paper is the nastiest
part of the box-work." Turning to a grave urchin of three : "Show the
gentleman your fingers, Freddy!" The child's hands were raw and
bleeding, ibr his duty was to take up the sand-paper, which was lying in
long, narrow slips under the bed and on the floor, and to fold and to snip
it into pieces of the prescribed length, and the constant friction had made
the cuticle as if it had been rubbed with a file. " Yes, it's a bad part of
the business," chimed in the mother; "but what's one to do ! He'll have
pasting and folding to do to-morrow instead of this, and then his fingers
will soon come round. That's the beauty of the box-trade, sir, you can
vary your work if there's three or four of yer; and a child can be taught
to fold as soon as he can stand. Before he can walk ? Certainly. He
don't want to walk, you know, when there's boxes to be made, and he
soon learns that his food comes after it, and thinks- of folding as a kind of
play." There was something extremely suggestive in these details, and
we understood why the little children never ceased in their labors, but
went on folding, pasting and sorting with as much stolid unconcern as if
we were not by. They knew that stopping to look about or chatter meant
a dimin nation in the number of boxes they would turn out; and when one
hundred and twenty-four boxes have to be made for twopence-half-penny,
and there is a deduction from this sum for paste and hemp, the value of
minutes is soon learnt. So the little fingers toil on, and the little faces turn
steadily to the shavings and the paper, as the completed boxes continue to
Those that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Men think all men mortal but themselves.
Experience teatcheth many things, and all men are his scholars.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 57
PHOTOGRAPH GALLERIES.
He spake the words: "Let there be light!"
The glorious flood poured into space,
And drove the black chaotic night
Swift from our planet's smiling face.
Vast continents in living green,
Were straightway dressed; the convex sea
In glorious blue lay calm between;
Fit emblem of His Majesty.
Ten thousand years a sea of light
Had bathed the world, e'er it was known
That fleeting shadows by its might,
Might be forever made our own.
-■■0 1
Bradley & B/ulofson, 429 Montgomery street, corner Sacramento. —
Whoa ! Pegasus. Whoa, you soaring old hybrid ; let us dismount.
We wanted to ride you over and around and through one of the finest
places you ever saw. We wanted to tell folks all about what we saw at
Bradley & Rulofson's, when seated on your cavorting back. We would
have shown you a palace equal to those sung by some of your famous
riders in the days of " long ago;" you should have walked over luxurious
carpets where your steps would have produced no echo; you should have
gazed on beautiful pictures till you forgot that you were anything more
than an ordinary dray horse; you should have listened to delicious music
as it rippled forth from the keys of a" Grand," under the flying fairy fin-
gers of beauty, till you were entranced ; you should have seen your
winged image reflected from immense mirrors at every turn. — -We would
even have given you a chance to get elevated in the elevator, and you
should have descended in the descender. — All these opportunities should
have been yours if you had but trotted along in the quiet valley of doggrel
and not attempted to soar away into the blue empyrean with us, where our
head got dizzy and we commenced babbling of "glorious floods," and
" chaotic nights " and "convex seas," and sich. Good-bye Peg, you see
where you missed it this time, don't you?
The house of Bradley & Rulofson is about as old as San Francisco
itself. Its location, corner of Sacramento and Montgomery streets, has
remained the same ever since it was established; and they are probably
more widely and favorably known than any other house engaged in a
similar business on the Pacific Coast. This is undoubtedly due to many
reasons, one of them being, of course, the length of time that they have
been established. Their success is also owing to some extent to the fact
that Mr. Bradley the senior member of the firm, brings to the aid of the
business a thorough knowledge of all of its wants, and being the largest
importer of artists' materials in the State, is enabled to provide the best for
the use of the house with which he is connected. But we opine that the
principal cause, and the grand secret of the whole matter lies in the ability,
earnestness, energy and enterprise of Mr. Rulofson. Endowed naturally
with a fine mind and a capacity for grasping comprehensively with large
enterprises, coupled with the ability to see an inch or so beyond his nose,
58 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
•
he has .neglected no naeans available for placing his business at the head.
Has somebody made an improvement that concerns him ? — He secures it
instanter. Is there something about photographic work that don't quite
come up to his ideas of excellence ? He immediately sets his brain at
work and the defect is remedied, if within the bounds of possibility. Does
the picture look too fiat, lacking rotundity and fullness ? He goes to
work and crooks and bends and manipulates the light around the sitter
till tlie photograph stands out in bold relief like a piece of statuary. Is
there an opportunity to present their business to the public through the
medium of the printing press ? He hesitates not to employ it liberally.
Does an improvement in the arrangement of their rooms suggest itself ?
It is carried out most effectually, regardless of cost.
Their last achievements in this line is the opening of a display room on
the first floor, level with the street, and the putting in of a first-class
elevator. This is the first and only thing of the kind connected with a
photograph gallery in the world, and is probably one of the most luxurious,
elegant and safe elevators in the United States; it is situated at the rear of
the display room spoken of, and is driven not by steam but by water from
the city water works, used through the medium of one of H. B. Martin's
most thoroughly constructed and beautifully finished hydraulic engines.
It is a very powerful one and moves the "car" with the greatest ease,
rapidity and smoothness.
The visitors have simply 10 seat themselves in the "car," and before
they can fairly comprehend that they are moving, it pauses; a door is
opened and they find themselves in the beautiful reception parlor, where
they will probably encounter Mr. Rulofson, overflowing with good humor,
to a degree bordering closely on hilarity.
The construction of this engine and elevator cost about four thousand
dollars, and is referred to in this article as an example of the enterprise
and liberality of this firm.
San Francisco is noted above all other cities for the excellence of its
photographs, which fact is attributed to the skill and enterprise of this
noted firm, and we advise all to take a pleasant ride in their Elevator and
inspect their inimitable works of art.
What it Costs to Advertise in Newspapers.
We have been interested in examining the advertising rates of certain
journals published in New York and Chicago. The Chicago Tribune asks
and receives §26,000 for a column of advertisements for a year. The
lowest rate charged for a column of business advertisements in the "New
York Herald for one year, is $39,712, and the highest rate §24S,200. The
lowest rate for a column of the New York Daily Tribune for one year,
is §27,794, and the highest rate for the same space and time, §85,648.
Other leading newspapers published in the principal Eastern, Southern
and "Western cities, correspondingly high. The highest price charged for
a column of the Call is §12,480, and the lowest is §2,880 for a year. —
S. F. Call.
THE IDYL OF BATTLE HOLLOW. 59
THE IDYL OF BATTLE HOLLOW.
(War of the Rebellion, 1864.)
No, I won't — thar, now, so! And it ain't nothin', — no!
And thar's nary to tell that you folks yer don't know ;
And it's "Belle, tell us, do!" and it's "Belle, is it true?"
And " Wot's this yer yarn of the Major and you?"
Till I'm sick of it all, — so I am, but I s'pose
Thet is nothin' to you. .Well, then, listen! yer goes:
It was after the fight, and around us all night
There was poppin' and shootin' a powerful sight;
And the niggers had fled, and Aunt Ohio' was abed,
And Pinky and Milly were in the shed ;
And I ran out at daybreak and nothin' was nigh
But the growlin' of cannon low down in the sky.
And I saw not a thing as I ran to the spring
But a splintered fence rail and a broken down swing,
And a bird said "Kerchee!" as it sat on a tree,
As if it was lonesome and glad to see me;
And I filled up my pail and was risin' to go,
When up come the Major a canterin' slow.
When he saw me he drew in his reins, and then threw
On the gate-post his bridle, and — what does he do
But come down where I sat ; and he lifted his hat,
And he says — well, thar ain't any need to tell that —
'Twas some foolishness, sure, but it 'mounted to this,
Thet he asked for a drink, and he wanted a — kiss.
Then I said (I was mad) "For the water, my lad,
You're too big and must stoop ; for a kiss, it's as bad —
You ain't near big enough." And I turned in a huff,
When that Major he laid his white hand on my cuff,
And he says "You're a trump! Take my pistol, don't fear!
But shoot the next man that insults you, my dear ;"
Then he stooped to the pool, very quiet and cool,
Leavin' me with that pistol stuck there like a fool,
When there flashed on my sight a quick glimmer of light
From the top of the little stone fence on the right,
And I knew 'twas a rifle, and back of it all
Rose the face of that bushwhacker, Cherokee Hall!
60 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN PRANCISCO
Then I felt in my dread that the moment the head
Of the Major was lifted, the Major was dead ;
And I stood still and white, but Lord! gals, in spite
Of my care, that derned pistol went off in my fright!
Went of — true as Gospel! — and strangest of all
It actooally injured that Cherokee Hall.
Thet's all now, go 'long. Yes, some folks thinks it's wrong,
And thar's some wants to know to what side I belong ;
But I says, "Served him right!" and I go, all my might,
In love or in war, for a fair, stand-up fight ;
And as for the Major — sho! gals, don't you know
Thet — Lord! — thar's his step in the garden below.
— Bret Harte, in Atlantic Monthly.
"What always follows the hounds ? Their tails.
The real yellow fever — Greed for gold.
Taking a drop too much — Hanging one's self.
MARBLE WORKS.
John Daniel & Co., 421 Pine street. — The marble in principal use in
this city for manufacturing purposes, is imported from Italy, though we
have in our State, four or five very good quarries, yet the veins not being
so even and symmetrical, the imported article is in much greater demand ;
while in the interior towns of the State, and especially Sacramento, our
domestic marble is very extensively used.
The principal quarries of the State, are located at Colfax, Dry town,
Columbia, and Indian Diggings. There are several very fine quarries in
"Vermont, especially those at Rutland and Sutherland Falls. The marble
is clear, white and beautiful, and is fast becoming popular.
Mr. Daniel commenced business on Pine street, near his present
location in 1862, and being a thoroughly practical marble worker, soon
built up a good business, and is now working about thirty hands;
manufacturing monuments, headstones, plumbers' slabs, mantels, furni-
ture slabs, etc., etc.
Furniture slabs, are now being quite extensively used, and Messrs.
Daniel & Co., make them to order — any size required. Their marble
mantles, however, are a great feature of their factory; for in passing
through their sales-room we find them of various colors, black, brown,
mottled and white, and of every conceivable form and device, and some
most beautifully ornamented; we also saw several elegantly carved
monuments that would do honor to any Italian establishment, and the
lettering was uniquely, artistically and tastefully done.
Messrs. Daniel & Co., have on hand, about ten thousand dollars' worth
of manufactured goods, being the largest stock in marble on the Pacific
Coast, and the purchaser will be more likely to be suited there than else-
where, and our word for it, you will always find Mr. Daniel an agreeable
man, and will take great pleasure in showing you through their establish-
ment.
THE OLD HOME. 61
THE OLD HOME.
THE EAST AS IT APPEARS TO A VETERAN CALIFORNIA!?
—SAG HARBOR AND ITS PEOPLE.
iiANDED in New York on the 30th day of December. Gotham is
immense. To me, the business portion of the city had a squatty,
Dutchy, dumpish air. I missed the hills and mountains which on
every side outline San Francisco. I missed the Chinamen on the streets; I
missed also, the comfortable bootblack stands. A wretched boy floundered
over my feet for nearly fifteen minutes. There was none of the San Fran-
ciscan ease, skill and celerity in his polishing. I paid him with a dime,
whereat he wondered greatly, never having, apparently, before seen such
a coin. I saw him disappear, followed by a crowd of other small, paripa-
tetic bootblacks, all wondering at that ten cent piece, and occasionally
looking back at me with glances of curiosity. This was my first new sen-
sation on landing on my native shore. It is a foreign shore to me. Cali-
fornia seems much farther away from New York than does New York from
California. You hunt vainly in the daily papers for a scrap of news from
home. By home, I mean California. When there, I was always calling
the Atlantic slope my home. Home is now a Will-o'-the-wisp, dodging
from shore to shore of the continent.
But California here, so far as mention goes, seems a small toad in the
puddle. The papers dispose of it in a four-line paragraph. I feel outraged.
I have met here, men imagining themselves intelligent who never heard
of the Yosemite Valley! I brought a photographic set of Yosemite views
to my native place. They were the first which were ever seen here, I had
imagined that Yosemite, Big Trees, Geysers and other pictures from their
frequency on Montgomery street, were ubiquitous.
I am beset with vexation concerning this Eastern currency. Pass a rag
and for change they give me other and smaller rags, diminutive coppers and
heavy dumpy looking nickels. It confuses me ; I endeavor to count it, that I
may ascertain if justice be done, and thejmore I count the worse I am off. I
cannot make the ten cent rags and two, three and five cent metal pieces add
up properly together. They seem in my pocket like a worthless assemblage
of old brass and pewter buttons. I feel guilty every time I offer them. I
constantly expect to hear the storekeeper say " We don't take that stuff
here." I am constantly beset with fear lest my ten, twenty-five and fifty
cent postage currency has worked itself out of my vest pocket. When one
has a piece of silver, they feel they have something tangible; when one's
money is changed to these dingy fractional pieces of paper, one feels that
it is as uncertain and unreliable as a soap bubble.
Seeing all one's old friends and acquaintances, after a sixteen years'
absence, becomes in a short time rather trying. In actual truth it becomes
a bore. For the first few days I walked with impunity the streets of my
native place. Scarcely anyone knew me ; I knew scarcely anyone. I rev-
eled in the luxury of incognitihility ; but this was not to last. Gradually
62 THE OLD HOME.
they wormed rny secret from me ;* and then the surprises, the hand-shak-
ings, the " Bill, I'd never knownit was you!" and, " How you've altered!"
and, " How old you've grown!" and, " Don't you remember this, that and
the other?" and " Come home to get married?" And the immense amount
of talk exacted from me, proved a certain species of dissipation, so that at
night I dragged myself home as weary as a miner after a hard day's work.
I said to myself, " This won't do. I must be more moderate in this matter.
I must take these people a few at a time." So, now, I restrict myself to
three new recognitions daily. After that I shut down ; and when my
friends say, " Won't you go in and see Warner, or Charley Payne, or Peter
French," I reply: " If Warner, Payne, French & Co. last, I will reserve
them for the morrow. I will not too soon exhaust this species of pleasure.
I will now go home and digest perfectly the old friends met to-day."
Arriving in my native village, I find it all true as to the manner in which
the mighty distances of one's boyhood shrink, when, arrived at mature
years, he returns home. Here are " Haight's Woods," once holding in my
estimation the dignity of a forest. In very early years there were dim
suspicioniugs of a bear in these woods. Now, I am all over and through
them in two minutes. "Northwest," where we used to trap quail, was
deemed a day's journey off. I make it now a pleasant morning's walk. I
feel as if wearing seven-league boots in striding through the village. What
once seemed miles, now shrink to a few hundred yards. Great ponds
have evaporated to puddles. Gull Island Rock was once " way off" in our
harbor. It is now only a few hundred yards from the end of the wharf.
" Barcelona Bank " was once a dizzy height. I have helped mine away
hills ten times their altitude. I wonder if things great at one stage of ex-
istence are thus always to be dwarfed in another.
Well, here are the same houses, the same streets with the same curves,
the same old corner posts, and even many of the same old people of my
boyhood. It seems almost ridiculous to a Californian that it should be so.
For we, during the last twenty years, have seen smart, bustling towns con-
taining thousands of people rise, flourish and decay. We have seen the
busy mining camp on the river bottom dwindle down to half a dozen
shanties, and these to one, and then the floods have arisen and buried the
site under four or five feet of alluvial, and on this in a few succeeding
years there has sprung a rapid growth of vegetation, so that no one would
know that ever man had made his mark there. But here in Sag Harbor
things have jogged along through all this time pretty near the same, and
so they did twenty years before, and twenty years before that. For
instance, there is Alfred Ranger coming into town with an ox-load of wood,
bawling, swearing and "booting " those oxen, just as he did in " 49," just
as he did in 1839, just as he does to-day, just as he probably will during the
next twenty-five years, for they never think of dying here until they get
into the eighties, and they would'nt then if they could help it. These old
fashioned Eastern towns have a settled, serious, determined air, just as if
they meant to go on as long as the terrestrial concern lasted. They im-
prove too. We have painted and " slicked up " wonderfully. We have
a railroad; we have gas; we have four street lamps. One may travel
around the place at night and find himself lit up every quarter of a mile.
We have a telegraph. All these things were not sixteen years ago. There
THE OLD HOME. 63
has really been quite a dribble of progress here. Yet I am thankful that
all is not new — glazing and clap-boarding. Farmers still come riding into
town to do their trading in old springless board wagons, the sides of which
are yellow and green with moss ; the agriculturist himself driving in a fur
cap and mittens with a long "lash gad," held stiff as a musket on parade,
at his shoulder, while the " old woman " remains seated behind in a straight
backed chair, and the bonnet is of the dear old Avide-mouthed coal scuttle
species, " black as your hat," and her gown is " shillin calico," warranted
to wash, and purchased at George Brown's, who was measuring off that
« shillin' calico" when I was an infant, and ages and ages before, in
exchange for butter and eggs, and always willing to let it go for a cent less
per yard, " seein' it's you, you know." And very nearly the same crowd
meets every night at John Ripley's corner grocery that met there a
generation ago, and you hear the same talk, conveying the same information
that such a one killed a hog weighing three hundred pounds, and
somebody else's daughter is about to be married, and it is wondered and
speculated at as to the amount of money her husband possesses; and they
hug the stove closely in winter, and in the early spring they are seated
nearer the door, and in summer their chairs monopolize the sidewalk, and
so from year to year the talk and gossip goes on and as fast as one old
stager drops off some one else arrives at his majority and fills the place.
Of course one ought to be prepared, after so long an absence, to find
himself old and to find a younger set occupying the place he once held.
Yet a human nature will not give up without a struggle. I visit some of
my old chums, and very soon after entering there comes sailing into the
room a full blown specimen of Eastern loveliness, just the sort of article I
used to set up nights with some eighteen or twenty years ago, and she is
introduced to me as " My daughter," and I think internally, " My stars
and garters, and all that sort of thing, you know, and that is Sam Fordham's
daughter. How dare he have a daughter like that ! He that used to be one
of Gideon's Band, who made hideous our village at night by the blowing
of tin toot horns, by the unhanging of signs and gates, by the disturbance
01 singing schools and old ladies' sewing societies." And then all at once it
flashes over me, " why, you might have had a daughter as old as that if you'd
a been a mind to," and then I regret my wasted youth and opportunities.
It makes one feel a little forlorn, too, to see boys playing about the same
corners, and shaking on the same ponds where you used to when a boy,
and to think that these boys know nor care aught for you, no more than if
you were a New Zealander or some other wretched heathen. And the old
girls are all dead, or married and gone " out West." There are plenty on
the streets of the same size, and quite as pretty. But they are strangers.
They gaze on us indifferently. Or if some one tells them who we are, we
know what they think as their eyes fall upon us. They think we are as old
as Methuselah, just because we knew their parents before marriage. They
do not realize how relatively trivial are generations which follow each other,
as do the waves of the sea, and that they, too, are marching steadily along
into the thirties and forties.
And when on Sunday, you go to the old church, you find, mayhap, that
it is no more the old church at all, but a new one, outside and in, with all
the modern improvements. Some of the old elders whom we knew and
64 BABY FINGERS.
feared in our boyhood, are still at their posts. But now they seem very
old. They can't be forced into juvenility, as was the old building by new
coats of paint.
The heads of many an old family, the Huntings, the Howells, the Cooks,
are gone. The people around do not miss them. To them these changes
have been very gradual. They are thinking of something else. But you
in that pew are living way back in the past, sixteen or twenty years ago.
It rushes upon you at once. The great gap of time in which you have been
absent, seems all closed up; your California life is for the moment elimi-
nated, and you are brought face to face with a past dead and buried to all
about you. You know there is no use looking across the church for the
interesting face once always seen there, but you can't help it. She is dead,
and the other one is a matron, stout, as to form, and rather course, as to
features, while her mind runs mainly to mince pies, house-cleaning and
rag 'fairs. The grey heads seated about you are those of young men when
you left home.
Well, this earth-life is indeed ridiculously short. It is youth, then
middle and old age, all huddled up together, and by the time a man begins
to learn how to live, it's time for beginning to die.
Prentice Micl/ord, in Alta California.
BABY FINGERS.
Ten fat little fingers, so taper and neat !
Ten fat little fingers, so rosy and sweet !
Eagerly watching for all that comes near,
Now poking your eyes out, now pulling your hair,
Smoothing and patting with velvet-like touch,
Then digging your cheeks with a mischievous clutch
Gently waving good-by with infantine grace,
Then dragging your bonnet down over your face.
Beating pat a-cake, pat a-cake, slow and sedate,
Then tearing your book at a furious rate,
Gravely holding them out, like a king to be kissed,
Then thumping the window with tightly closed fist ; .
Now lying asleep, all dimpled and warm,
On the white cradle pillow, secure from all harm.
O, dear baby hands ! how much you infold
In the weak, careless clasp of those fingers' soft hold
Keep spotless, as now, through the world's evil ways,
And bless with fond care our last weariful days.
Let us do or die.
Better late than never.
Two of a trade seldom agree.
Facts are stubborn things.
Never trust much to a new friend or an old enemy.
Procrastination is the thief of time.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 6
BILLIARD TABLES.
Phillip Liesenfeld, 571 Market street. — Mr. Liesenfeld commenced the
manufacture of billiard tables in the year 1855, in a small building on Bat-
tery street below Jackson, where he continued about ten years, but his
increased business demanding more room, he removed to Sacramento
street near Montgomery, where he remained till a few months since, when
ho again removed to the spacious ware-rooms and factory he now occupies,
No. 571 Market street.
Mr. Liesenfeld has competed for premiums for the best billiard tables
at n&ariy all the important Fairs on this coast, and has always obtained the
first, as the diplomas attest — seven of them can be seen suspending as or-
naments on the walls of his ware-rooms.
In our visit to Mr. Liesenfeld's factory, we observed quite an ingenious
game table, called the " Patent Top Bagatelle Table," patented by the fore-
man of this large establishment, December 12th, 1871. A large number
have already been manufactured and sold, and we conclude this will be an
important branch of his manufactory.
We have not space to describe it at length — we consider it an indispens-
able article to all well appointed bar-rooms; and to the domestic circle it
will prove a pleasing pastime and substitute for the billiard table, to those
unable to afford that luxury.
This enterprising gentleman determined to supply the best of every-
thing in his line of business, has recently purchased the exclusive right to
manufacture and sell, on the Pacific Coast, Phelan & Collender's cel-
ebrated "eureka billiard cushion," patented May 2d, 1871, which
will undoubtedly replace all other kinds in present use. Its advantages
consist in having two ivires properly strained and securely fastened at the
ends, and so arranged that a ball when it strikes the cushion, is received
between the wires, and does not become wedged down against the bed of
the table, as it is by a cushion having only a single wire. This wedging
of the ball between the wire and the bed of the table, causes it to rebound
at the acute and incorrect angle, so objectionable in the single wire cushions,
and which, no person who has played on them, can have failed to notice.
In a cushion having two wires, greater accuracy and more uniform speed
is attained, the ball having a more natural and free rebound than when
only a single wire is used.
Another advantage in the new cushion is that the wires being properly
strained and securely fastened, cannot become loose, and therefore do not
require tightening after having been used a short time; and as a wire is
liable to be broken by being tightened, the importance of this advantage
cannot be overlooked.
Mr. Liesenfeld has also the exclusive sale of the new billiard table, pa~
tented by Hugh W. Collender, May 2d, 1871. The principle object secured
by 4);is patent, is the beveled edges of the table, so that players may stand
in close proximity to the table without the annoyance of hitting the
under part of the table at every motion of the knees.
Any one desiring to purchase goods in the billiard line, will do well to
call at 571 Market street, before buying elsewhere, as he will supply better
articles, and at cheaper rates, than any other house on the Pacific Coast.
5
66 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
SUBSCRIPTION BOOKS.
Henry Keller & Co,, No. 543 Clay street, have recently purchased
the entire business of H. H. Key <fe Co., and are now the exclusive agents
for all of the largest houses in the East, as well as Europe. They are now
introducing on this coast many of the most elegant illustrated standard
books that are published in the English language.
Something of the magnitude of their business, may be learned from the
fact that they have constantly employed, from ten to twenty men- convass-
ing and delivering their valuable books; making regular monthly trips
from San Francisco, all through the most distant points in Utah, Nevada,
Oregon and California. ^
This firm commenced business in 1870 under the name of H. H. Key &
Co., which, through the energy and good business management of the pro-
prietors, soon built up a large and profitable business, which has in no
way diminished under the present management. The extensive sale of the
revised edition of Chambers' Encyclopcedia, published by J. B. Bippincott
& Co., Philadelphia, and principally introduced in the interior cities of
this coast by Mr. R. May, has made for the firm a handsome business of
itself. The large illustrated edition of the Dore Gallery, and the other ele-
gant works illustrated by the same artist, and published by Cassell,
London, are having a very extensive sale, which, with a large circulation
of their many valuable works of standard literature, speaks well, both for
the intelligence and appreciation of the people, and the enterprise and
energy of this firm.
Messrs. Keller & Co's system of issuing books in pamphlet form, is a
good one. By this method of subscribing for works, and afterwards bind-
ing them, at a slight cost, many persons of small means have made up a
large library of valuable books, without feeling the expense, by paying
small amounts for each number; and many a poor young man who is now
struggling for fame, and whose means will not allow the purchase of an
expensive volume, outright, will bless this enterprising firm for the system
they are inaugurating, in supplying him with detached portions of books
in just such quantities as desired, thus enabling him to reap the full
benefits of the publication, holding it, if need be, till he has reaped some
reward from his studies, or remunerations from his profession, ere he
binds them for his library.
There is another great advantage that Messrs. Keller & Co. are to our
community. They are giving employment to a large number of enterpris-
ing young men, in distributing their varied publications, and their exten-
sive business connections with eastern and foreign establishments, enables
them to offer lucrative employment to an unlimited number of energetic
and live young men.
In connection with their business, Henry Keller & Co., have a large
bindery where all their books issued in pamphlet form are bound, and for
this purpose the firm has prepared ornamental stamps, suitable for the
character of the works. This department, under the name of D. Hicks &
Co., has machinery and facilities for binding, unequaled on the Pacific
Coast. For a description of which, see under the head of bookbinderies.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 67
VACUUM CURE.
Dr. Hadfield's patent method. — This is a late invention of Dr. Geo.
W. Hadfield of Ohio, who secured letters patent in the United States, Jan.
1, 1857. It consists of appliances constructed to closely fit different por-
tions of the human system, or if the nature of the case requires it, the
whole body; and then by an exhaust pump, partially exclude the atmos-
pheric air, thus relieving pressure, and causing the blood to flow freely to
the surface, thereby opening any obstruction in the capillaries, and equal-
izing the circulation of the blood. •
With this method they claim to have cured general paralysis, general
debility, weak chests, weak lungs, rushes of blood to the head, insanity,
fits, epilepsy, torpid circulations either of the blood or the nervo-vital
fluid, chills and fever, spinal affections, weak backs, torpid liver, dyspepsia,
chronic rheumatism, typhoid pheumonia, narrow chests, incipient con-
sumption, etc., by removing a certain amount of atmospheric pressure
equally from every part of the system without pain, causing the blood and
nervo-vital fluid to fill the capillary vessels in every part of the body,
removing the internal congestion, carrying nutritive fluids to every part of
the system, and carrying the waste and dead matter from every part. This
restores an equal amount of health and vitality to every part of the system.
In liver, kidney, lung diseases and asthma, this method of treatment has
won its greatest victories, appearing to the uninformed little less than
miraculous.
For local troubles,, applications are made with instruments peculiarly
adapted to the parts affected. No pain accompanies any part of the treat-
ment, but a marked relief immediately follows the application. It causes
the blood in the limb to fill the capillary vessels at once, and opens up a
better communication between the limbs and the general circulation, thus
removing all obstacles to the general circulation and the diseased limb,
enlarging both the vessels which carry off the waste and dead matter from
the limbs. This gives new life, tone, health and activity to the limbs,,
removes diseased matter, and restores its natural functions.
A Case op Brain Paralysis — A Letter from Gen. Joe. Hooker to «•
Friend. — Dear Sir: — I had a very severe attack of brainal paralysis moa*e
than four years ago, and am not yet entirely well of its effects. I have
conferred with the most eminent physicians, on this side of the Atlantic,
and on the other, and am of the opinion that no one of them ever did me
any good. They appeared to know nothing of paralysis, and I have found
so many varieties, that I do not pretend to understand any case but my
own, and that I now know fully.
About a year ago I was induced to make an experiment of what is called
the " vacuum treatment." I visited thirty-six times, and that cured my
congestion, the cause of my paralysis. The treatment is very gentle, and
one which a child might stand. This cured me.
I inclose herewiih, for your information, the advertisement of the
vacuum treatment. It is not expensive, and not tedious. I would have
given a fortune to know what I now know, when I was paralyzed. .
Very respectfully, your ob't servant, J. HOOKER, Maj. General.
This method is now practiced at No. 331 Kearny street, between Bush
and Pine streets.
68 GRAN 'MA AL'AS DOBS.
" GRAN'MA AL'AS DOES."
I wants to mend my wagon,
And has to have some nails ;
Just two, free will be plenty;
We're going to haul our rails.
The splendidest cob fences,
We're makin' ever was !
I wis' you'd help us find 'em —
Gran'ma al'as does.
My horse's name is Betsey ;
She jumped and broke her head.
I put her in the stable,
And fed her milk and bread ;
The stable's in the parlor ;
We didn't make no muss,
I wis' you'd let it stay there —
Gran'ma al'as does.
I's goin' to the cornfield,
To ride on Charlie's plow :
I spect he'd like to have me,
I wants to go right now.
Oh, won't I gee up awful,
And whoa like Charlie whoas ? '
I wis' you wouldn't bozzer —
Gran'ma never does.
I wants some bread and butter;
I's hungry worstest kind:
But Taddie mustn't have none,
'Cause she wouldn't mind.
Put plenty of sugar on it ;
I'll tell jTtu what, I knows
It's right to put on sugar —
Gran'ma al'as does..
A Singular Calculation. — A German ^mathematician recently being
present at a concert given by Rubenstein, counted the notes which that
famous pianist had struck in playing a single piece, and found that they
amounted to 62,990. The mathematician, however, was not satisfied with
this enumeration, and, making use of the kreutzer coin as a dynamometer,
tested the pressure requisite to strike a key on Rubinstein's piano-forte,
a»d found it to be equivalent to the weight of twenty-four kreutzers, or
two and one-fifth ounces. The pressure just necessary to strike the
62,990 notes, therefore amounted to 8,661 pounds; but as some passages
were played fortissimo, it w r as calculated that the force exerted by Ruben-
stein in performing the piece in question amounted to 10,500 pounds.
Experiments were also made upon a piano of harder touch, and it was
calculated that on this instrument the pressure to perform the piece would
have amounted to 13,216 pounds.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 69
OIL AND LEAD WORKS.
Pacific Oil and Lead Works, Nos. 3 and 5 Front street. — At these
works, which were started in 1866, and are as yet the only ones of the kind
in this State, are manufactured linseed oil, and oil cake meal, and also oil
from the castor bean, mustard seed, etc. The mill, driven by a fifty-horse
power steam engine, is large and perfect in all its appointments, each de-
partment containing every requisite appliance and every recent improve-
ment. Since their late enlargement these works employ about twenty men
and have a capacity to crush many thousands of bushels of flax seed
monthly, and to manufacture oil to an extent largely in excess of the present
consumption of this coast — every variety of oil here being of admitted
superiority over the imported. There is connected with this establishment
a mill for grinding in oil, white lead and zinc paints, and for making paints
of every variety.
The demand for flax seed and the castor bean, in consequence of the
operations of this establishment, has greatly stimulated the culture of these
plants in this State, these having proved, in sections of the country suited
to their growth, extremely profitable crops. The oil cake meal, which is
acknowledged to be the best feed known for milk cows, beef cattle, horses
and sheep, is also becoming largely inquired for among the leading agri-
culturalists of the coast. No other kind of food can compare with this,
whether it be for fattening, imparting strength to, or promoting the health
of animals. For increasing the quantity of milk or making flesh, one pound
of it is worth two of corn meal ; in fact, no other sort of feed possesses the
fattening properties of this, nor does any other produce such fine, tender
and juicy flesh. For life-sustaining properties for all stock exj)osed to
sudden changes of weather or over driving, it has no equal. A small
quantity given to chilled cattle or sheep, will keep them alive and greatly
increase their warmth and vitality. It is one of the best remedies known
for horses subject to the heaves and rheumatism, and greatly increases the
cleanliness, evenness and glossiness of the hair. At present price,
it is the cheapest food in the market. It is now selling in New York
at forty-two dollars per ton, gold ; at fifty dollars per ton in Eng-
land, where it has been proven for a long time to be in every respect the
most profitable feed known for stock of all kinds — one ton being fully equal
to three tons of bran. The increasing demand for this meal on this coast,
where it has been thoroughly tested, has induced the proprietors to increase
their facilities for its manufacture ; and they are fully prepared to furnish
it in such quantities as may be desired.
The company has for several years past entered into contract with
farmers at fixed prices, for the flax seed and castor beans, to be produced
the ensuing season, furnishing the seed on credit, where it seemed to be a
necessity to the producers; and it is the expectation that similar facilities
will be hereafter afforded to all reliable parties applying for them.
70 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
INSURANCE COMPANIES.
New England Mutual Life Insurance Company, Wallace Everson,
General Agent, 302 Sansome street, corner of California. — Life Insurance is
too well-known and appreciated in our community to need any extended
remarks from our pen; the fact that all our best financiers and business
men insure their lives, argues more than volumes can speak. The only
point for the consideration of the assured, is in the choice of the company.
The New England possesses the following points of superiority over
other companies that cannot fail to be appreciated by the most casual
observer :
This company is operating under the Massachusetts Non-Forfeiture
Law, having paid losses that other companies would have declared for-
feited years before. Claims under this law amounting to over $60,000 have
been paid by this company on this coast. It is purely mutual, all the
profits being divided among the policy holders. It is the oldest company
in existence, having been incorporated in 1835. It is the most economical
company, as a comparison with the running expenses of other companies
will show. It issues all desirable kinds of policies, and in short, it seems
to us to do everything known to Life Insurance, that works to the interest
of the policy holders, and under the direction of Mr. Everson as manager
of the company's affairs of this coast, it stands in the front rank.
A man of pleasure is a man of pains.
The root of all wholesome thought is knowledge of thyself.
PICTURES AND PICTURE FRAMES.
Sanborn, Vail & Co., 31 Kearny street, near Market. — If the reader of
this book should be in need of any article in the picture line of any
description, whether steel engravings, lithographs, plain and colored, half
chromos, or the finest full chromos he cannot do better than to call on, or
address, Sanborn, Vail & Co., 31 Kearny street.
This firm also keep on hand, and manufacture to order, all kinds and
styles of looking glass frames, suitable for private dwellings, hotels,
saloons, &c. Their stock of walnut, rosewood and gilt mouldings, is
especially adapted to the trade of interior towns, and will be furnished to
dealers at prices to suit the times. In the line of ovals, they are constantly
supplied with the largest varieties of solid walnut, imitation walnut,
rosewood and gilt double ovals for hair wreaths, moss work &c, also,
circle frames in walnut and gilt, of all sizes.
If you want rustic, carved or plain walnut, rosewood and gilt frames,
sherman oval, or rubber frames, photograph and cabinet sizes, cheap and
in good style, send your orders to Sanborn, Vail & Co., where they will be
promptly filled at prices as low as the market can afford.
We would also call the attention of members of the various Orders, to
their splendid stock of charts and diplomas, for Masons, Odd Fellows,
Knights of Pythias, Red Men, Temperance societies, &c. Any person
desiring an agency to canvass for their works in the lodges to which they
belong, can address as above, and they will receive a prompt reply.
PROVERBS. 71
PROVERBS.
No one is a hero to his valet.
Poets and painters have leave to lie.
Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge.
A greedy eye had never a full belly.
A dog will not howl if you strike him with a bone.
A long tongue has a short hand.
An ill turn is soon done.
A proud heart and a poor purse are ill met.
A willing mind makes a light foot.
Pride never left his master without a fall.
A hungry man is an angry man.
Of a little take a little.
There is a French proverb which says : " Speech was given to man to
conceal his thoughts."
Of all wars peace is the end.
It is a noticeable fact that people who change their minds often, never
get a good one.
Perseverance overcomes difficulties.
Despise none, despair of none.
A bashful cat makes a proud mouse.
Oft counting keeps friends long together.
The gown is her's that wears it, and the world his that enjoys it.
Once in use ever a custom.
The more you heap the more you cheap.
A man of words and not of deeds,
Is like a garden full of weeds.
Of all ills the least is the best.
Despair blunts the edge of Industry.
If you have done amiss make amends.
No great loss without small profit.
When I did well I heard it never,
When I did ill I heard it ever.
Positive men are most often in error.
If you have a real good wife, keep still and thank God every twenty
minutes for it.
Deliberate slowly, execute promptly.
A sparrow in the hand is worth an eagle on the wing.
Let no one stretch his feet beyond the length of his sheet.
Every crow thinks its own young one prettiest.
A good fellow is a costly name.
Bear wealth, for poverty will bear itself.
72 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
PATENT FURNITURE.
Westley & Dierek, 143 Fourth street, are House Furnishing and
Purchasing Agents, and Manufacturers of Westley's Patent Furniture.
Among the many inventions brought out in this age of progress, none
contribute more to the comfort and convenience of a great majority of the
people, than improvements in household furniture, and probably no firm,
or person, is adding more to the comforts of the home circle than West-
ley & Dierek, by the introduction of their patent furniture.
"Westley's Automaton or Universal Chair, as an Easy Chair,
Reclining Chair, Rocking Chair, Lounge^ Couch, or Bed, is simply
perfect and complete.
As a Physician's Chair it has no rival. In a doctor's office it would
seem to be absolutely indispensable, when its perfect adaptation to the
requirements of such a place is appreciated.
As a Dentist's Chair, is has many points of excellence; and in a Bar-
ber's Saloon it is superb ; but it is
As an Invalid's or Convalescent's Chair, that it is incomparable,
while the joints and different members (patterned after the mechanism of
the human frame) move easily and surely to perform the various changes
of which the chair is capable; they are so constructed that the upholstering
material covers them, as the natural covering clothes and softens the
human form, leaving no angles, ridges or hardness to complain of, making
it the easiest and softest chair imaginable, much more comfortable that it is
possible to upholster any adjustable or reclining chair ever before in-
troduced, i The many changes this chair is capable of, and the various
positions it assumes, permitting any portion of the body (of the occupant)
to remain, with muscles relaxed, at rest undisturbed, in any desired
position, while other portions of the body are being changed from one posi-
tion to another, raised, lowered or supported at will, make it, indeed, a
place of " rest for the weary."
A Parlor Crib, "for our darling," the easiest, most secure and com-
fortable place for little folks ever seen, is one of the many uses to which
the Universal Chair can be turned.
Westley's Improved Sofa Bed, "The Gem," is a wonder of
elegance, comfort, convenience and economy. It received the Premium at
the Eighth Industrial Exhibition of the Mechanics' Institute, San Fran-
cisco, 1871, and is much admired by all who have seen it. Orders are
received for it from the best houses in the city, daily.
" The Gem," as a sofa, made to match suits or sets of furniture, (if
desired,) or in as many different styles as there are tastes to please, is
suitable for parlor, boudoir, library or office, and stands unexcelled in
appearance, usefulness or ease in the place it is made to fill, with nothing
in its appearance to indicate that it is anything more than a handsome sofa
in good style.
In " The Gem," as a bed, every resemblance to the sofa disappears,
and in its place we have a handsome and luxurious couch, four feet wide,
(more or less, if desired,) soft and elastic throughout its entire length and
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.. 73
breadth, with elegant roll pillows extending (all the way) across one end,
graceful in outline and perfect in detail, a perfect gem is " The Gem Sofa
Bed."
Westlet's Elysian Chair, a cosy Reclining Chair, a Lounge or a
Couch, at the will of the occupant; a neat, comfortable, useful and con-
venient piece of furniture, that is worth more than it costs.
Westley's Improved Spring Bed, "The Pacific Bed Bottom"
received the premium over all competitors at the Fair of the Mechanics'
Institute, San Francisco, 1S69. It is the best and cheapest, strongest,
lightest and neatest thing of the kind ever made.
"Westley's Independent Compensating Spiral Spring. — This newly
invented spring for upholstering purposes is a great improvement on the
ordinary spiral spring, which it must necessarily soon supersede entirely.
It is fully as elastic; it will sustain a much greater weight without
injury; in fact, owing to the compensating coil and the peculiar shape of
these springs, no weight that can be placed upon them can injure or over-
strain them, consequently they never "play out." They are lighter, and
consequently cheaper than the ordinary spiral springs; they occupy less
space in depth, therefore they can be used to great advantage where there
is not room for the ordinary spring; they are self-sustaining, and need no
tying, nailing or clamping, which is a great saving in time. All uphol-
sterers will readily see how superior the Independent Compensating Spring-
is for spring edge work; as it requires no tying, it needs no riser.
Westley's "Magic Divan," received a premium at the Fair of the
Mechanics' Institute, San Francisco, in 1869. Since then it has been much
improved.
Westley's Improved Bed Lounge, "The Odd Fellow," a handsome
lounge with comfortable back and reclining head; or a superior bed with
deep elastic springs and stuffing, that requires no mattress.
The celebrated "Invalid's Bed " (Heath's patent,) manufactured and
sold by Westley & Dierck, can be changed into many different positions,
and with commode attached, is invaluable to the bedridden.
pS~ Descriptive circulars, with cuts, forwarded to any address. "^^
Warner & Silsby> 642 Mission street, near Neiv
Montgomery, manufacture all kinds of spiral springs,
bed, sofa, chair and pillow springs, full size and
of A No. 1 wire, supplied to the trade at lowest prices.
They are agents for, and manufacturers of the celebra-
ted Obermann Self-Fastening Bed Spring, patented
January 21, 1870. These springs are simple in con-
struction, easily placed, require no tying, make no
noise, afford no harbor for bugs or moths, and for
elasticity cannot be excelled.
74 MARK TWAIN IN NEW YORK.
"MARK TWAIN" IN NEW YORK.
HIS SPEECH AT "THE ALDINE " DINNER.
•I
T the pleasant dinner given at the St. James Hotel on Friday evening
by the proprietors of The Aldine, speeches were made by Vice- 1
President Colfax, Mr. James Sutton and Mr. Stoddard, publisher and
editor of The Aldine — and Messrs. R. Shelton, McKenzie, Bayard Taylor,
E. Stedman, "Mark Twain," George P. Putnam, Isaac England and others
The characteristic speech by Mr. Clemens — " Mark Twain," was received
with shouts of laughter. It is given in full below :
Mr. Clemens said : Gentlemen, I would rather address a " stag " dinner
party than any other assemblage in the world [laughter,] for the reason
that when you make a point, those who have been listening always
applaud, and those who have been talking to each other and did not hear
it, applaud louder than anybody else [laughter] , and if I only had a speech
prepared for this occasion, I would take genuine delight in delivering it
[laughter. But I got the notification to be present at this dinner this
evening, at half-past eleven o'clock this morning to pay what I owe to the
Aldine establishment [laughter] ; and I had to leave an hour after that in
order that I might take the trip, so I had no opportunity to prepare a
speech, and I am not one of those geniuses who can make a speech
impromptu. I have made a great many happy impromptu speeches but
I had time to prepare them [laughter]. Now, it is singular, and I
suppose that, but for circumstances which happened when I was fourteen
years of age, I might have rushed blindly into real impromptu speeches,
and injured myself a good deal [laughter. This circumstance, which
happened when I was fourteen years of age, has always protected me
against anything of that kind, and it has led me to think a good deal.
Now, I don't think a good deal, generally [laughter] of what may probably
be the moving springs of human action. I put that in merely because it is
a good expression. I mean it has led me to question in my own mind,
what may probably have been the incidents in a man's life which have
remained with him longest; whether they are important incidents or
whether they are merely trivial ones. I have almost come to the con-
clusion that the things that stay longest by man, and shape his action in
after life, are really things of trivial importance. Now, I call your
attention to the fact, in support of this argument, that Newton when he
was — well, I don't know what he was doing now; I make no insinuations
against Newton ; I don't know what he was doing in the apple orchard
[laughter] , but you know he saw the apple fall, and that suggested the idea
of the attraction of gravitation — I call your attention again to that expression
[laughter] and then again, one of the greatest inventors that ever lived — I
am sorry for your instruction, I cannot tell his name [laughter] — was
led into this matter of gravitation by having to wait upon his mother while
she was hearing confession, and, seeing the pendulum move back and
forward — there was nothing else for him to contemplate — and that set him
into this matter of looking at mechanics, and he invented a great many
MARK TWAIN IN NEW YORK. 75
things — I don't know what they were, now [laughter] it was trivial you
know. And Galileo, loafing around in the Cathedral at Pisa, not knowing
what he was there for, or how he was putting in his time, but he saw and
took note of the gentle vibration of the chandelier to and fro, and through
that invented the pendulum, which is understood to have made a revolu-
tion in mechanics, and I suppose it has. I take these learned things for
granted.
. All these are trivial matters, but they brought about vast results. Now
the thing that made the deepest impression on my mind, and has lasted
until this moment, was a matter itself essentially trivial. It occurred when
I was a boy, and it has protected me, up to this time, against making a
speech when I hadn't a speech prepared. It was a remark made by a friend
He said: "I could have ketched them cats if I had on a good ready"
[laughter] . Now, at first glance, that don't appear to convey an idea, but
it does, and the meat of' it is this : don't do anything unless you are
lire pared to do it, therefore, until this moment, I never have made a
speech unless I had that speech all set down and ready.
This incident is of no consequence to you at all, and yet I never made a
speech in my life unless I tried to inculcate a moral [laughter] ; unless I
tried to convey instruction, and if I can make you better men than you are
[laughter] — it'is not for me to say there is room for it, though I suppose
there is [laughter] . If I can make you wiser than you are, or if I can
protect you in after life as I have been protected, let me do it here, even if
I perish on the spot [laughter]. Now this thing occurs in this wise. As
trivial as it is, it is a matter to be treasured, I think, and remembered.
When I was fourteen, as I remarked before, 1 was living with my parents,
who were very poor and correspondingly honest. We had a youth living
with us by the name of Jim Wolfe. He was an excellent fellow, 17 years
old, and very diffident. He and I slept together — virtuously [laughter] —
and one very bitter winter's night, a cousin Mary of mine — she's married
now and gone [laughter] — gave what they called a candy pulling, in
those days, in the West, and they took the saucers of hot candy outside
of the house into the snow, under a sort of old bower that came out from
the eaves — it was a sort of an ell then, all covered with vines — to cool this
hot candy in the snow, and they were all sitting around there, and in the
meantime we were gone to bed; we were not invited to attend this party,
we were too young. All these young ladies and gentlemen assembled
there, and Jim and I were in bed. There was about four inches of snow on
this ell, and our window looked out on to it, and it was frozen hard.
A couple of torn cats — it is possible one of them might have been of the
other sex [laughter] — were assembled on the chimney in the middle of
this ell, and they were growling at a fearful rate, and switching their tails
about and going on, and we couldn't sleep at all. Finally Jim said, "For
two cents I'd go out and snake them cats off that chimney," so I said, " Of
course you would;" well, he said, "Well, I would; I have a mighty good
notion to do it;" says I "of course you have; certainly you have, you have
a great notion to do it." I hoped he might try it, but I was afraid he
wouldn't. Finally I did get his ambition up, and he raised the window
and climbed out on that icy roof, with nothing on but his socks and a
very short shirt. [Laughter.] He went climbing along on all fours on the
76 THE LETTER.
roof towards this chimney where the cats were. In the meantime these
young ladies and gentlemen were enjoying themselves down under the
eaves, and when Jim got almost to that chimney he made a pass at the
cats, and his heels new up and he shot down and crashed through those
vines, and lit in the midst of the ladies and gentlemen, and sat down in
those hot saucers of candy [laughter], and there was a general stampede,
of course, and he came up stairs dropping pieces of chinaware and candy
all the way up, and when he got up there — now, anybody in the world
would have gone into profanity or something calculated to relieve the mind
under such circumstances [laughter], tmt he didn't; he scraped the candy
off his legs, nursed his blisters a little, and said "I could have ketched them
cats if I had on a good ready." Now, I say this, that if the opportunity
had so fallen out that I could have had ample opportunity to get up a
speech, I could have gotton up a speech that would have sent you all
— home — happy or otherwise; I could have gotten up a speech that would
have done honor to this occasion and to me, but under the circumstances,
I have had no opportunity, and I could not get up such a speech, but as
long as you live, if you remember the circumstances at all, ybu will
remember that if I had on a good ready, I would have caught these
literary cats here present. [Laughter.] Now, I won't bore you any
further, but I will simply say that I am glad to be present here, glad to
help to celebrate this occasion, the new era of enlarged prosperity for The
Aldine, and also the calling to the editorial chair of a gentleman of culture
like Mr. Stoddard, and I am glad to be able to sit with so bright a
company as this, and hope you will excuse further remarks from yours
truly. [Laughter.]
THE LETTER.
Where is another sweet as my sweet,
Fine of the fine, and shy of the shy ?
Fine little hands, fine little feet —
Dewy blue eyes.
Shall I write to her ? shall I go ?
Ask her to marry me by and by ?
Somebody said that she'd say no !
Somebody knows that she'd say aye !
Aye or no, if asked to her face ?
Aye or no, from shy to shy ?
Go, little letter, apace, apace ?
Fly !
Fly to the light in the valley below —
Tell my wish to her dewy blue eye :
Somebody said that she'd say no !
Somebody knows that she'd say aye !
Birth is much, but breeding is more.
Better ride an ass that carries me than a horse that throws me.
Double charge will split a cannon.
A good tale is none the worse to be twice told.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 77
Geo. D. Morse, 417 Montgomery street, between Sacramento and Califor-
nia. — Why is it that such splendid photographs are produced on the Pacific
Coast ? Artists elsewhere are doubtless as skillful, and the chemicals
which they use are as pure, yet how old fashioned, fiat and cheap looking
are the pictures which our eastern friends send us when compared with
those produced here.
The purity of our atmosphere is generally assigned as the reason, but it
is probably only one of the reasons. The fact is, the principal galleries oi
San Francisco are in the hands of clearheaded, intelligent and cultivated
men, and the rivalry that exists among them has resulted in some impor-
tant improvements in photography, besides having led them to employ
the very best talent to be had, regardless of expense. Their rooms are
marvels of luxury and elegance; as an illustration, we cite the reader to
the gallery of the gentleman whose name we have placed at the head oi
this article. — Mr. Geo. D. Morse.
At its entrance may be found what is probably the most pleasing col-
lection of photographic work in the United States. We do not wish in
making this statement to exaggerate or do injustice to the specimens dis-
played by other galleries, but we believe that it was the universal testi-
mony of those visiting the Mechanics' Fair, last fall, that Morse's display
afforded them more pleasure than any other. This fact was so apparent
that Mr. Morse was awarded the first premium, a silver medal.
Each picture is a gem in itself. In the first place the subjects were
handsome; secondly, the positions are artistic; thirdly, the photographs
were perfect, and lastly, they have been most skillfully retouched and beau-
tifully colored, the result being the handsomest collection we ever saw.
The artist employed by Mr. Morse, is Mr. John Koch, who has no
superior in his line. As a scenic artist, and in the delicate, difficult and
perfect work required for back grounds, his remarkable skill is universally
conceded. Perhaps nothing will better illustrate Mr. Morse's determin-
ation to produce first-class work than the fact that he employs this
gentleman, although his services compel an outlay of $5,200 a year.
Ascending a single flight of stairs the visitor finds himself in the grand
reception parlor, seventy-five feet long, the floor of which is occupied with
chairs, sofas, easels, etc., while the walls are just crowded with splendid
portraits and views. There are no less than three operating rooms, the
first about 18 by 27 feet; the next, about 27 by 36; and the last, 36 by 42, —
the largest operating room, as far as known, in the United States. The
skylight in this room occupies not only a portion of the roof, but extends
nearly down to the floor on the north side of the room, and contains over
500 sqiiare feet of glass.
This immense establishment extends back nearly 200 feet from the
street, occupying no less than 13 rooms and giving employment to nearly
twenty persons. Mr. Morse who is generally at his post, superintending
the whole concern, is the embodiment of quiet courtesy, and has the happy
faculty of making his visitors feel welcome whether they come as purchas-
ers or simply to while away an hour agreeably.
78
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
SEWING MACHINES.
W. F. Sherwood, Agent Man-
hattan Saving Machine Company,
21 Neio Montgomery street. — The
only machine with short, straight,
self-adjusting needle making the
" Elastic Lock Stitch," direct from
the spools, without the shuttle or
bobbin.
About three years since there
was organized in the city of New
York, among the most wealthy and
prominent business men of that
wealthy and busy city, a company
to commence the manufacture of
the Improved Silent Sewing Ma-
chine, which should lead the world.
Availing themselves of the ex-
perience of all the pioneers who
had introduced sewing machines,
more or less crude and imperfect,
and of their own new and most valuable patents, owned and controlled
only by themselves, this new company felt at once the full, fresh impetus
and power afforded by a guaranteed success.
Years of time and hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent in
perfecting the massive and delicate machinery which should turn out at
first, with mathematical precision, at least ten complete machines every
hour. These machines are finished with the same perfection of mechanism
and nicety of detail as we may find in the best chronometer clocks. A
separate machine produces each separate part, and each the exact duplicate
of every other. But few, comparatively, of these machines have, as yet,
been put upon the Western market. Throughout the East it has already
gained an unprecedented popularity. They are now being introduced in
the West, and comment is everywhere emphatically in their favor, so far
as they have been tested in comparison with other machines.
We have seen the demonstration of the fact that its stitch is the
strongest, most elastic and most practical, of all the stitches taken by
machinery. That in capacity for work it embraces every variety of plain
and ornamental, throughout the entire range of family sewing. The
power required is very little indeed — not half of that required by many
others.
They are ready to give better terms and rates to agents and buyers than
others. They want the best available business man in every place for
agent. They have established a general agency for the Pacific Coast in
San Francisco, which is under the management of W. F. Sherwood, Esq.
We wish to advise all interested in the subject to call and examine the
Manhattan, or send for terms or samples of the work. You will be thankful
lor their assistance, and satisfied with their dealings.
AN INCIDENT OF THE FRONTIER. 79
AN INCIDENT OF THE FRONTIER.
BY JACOB PRICE.
To Willow Springs ? about ten miles — you can't get there to-night,
The trail is hardly plain enough to follow by daylight ;
You had better stop with us — we'd be pleased to have you stay,
For travelers from the settlement don't often pass this way.
The boy will take your horse, sir — James, put him in the shed
By the side of your brown pony, and see that he's well fed ;
If you'll please walk into the house, my wife will try, I'm sure,
To provide you with some supper, if our fare you can endure.
Dear little wife, this gentleman will stay with us to-night —
Take a seal, sir, by the fire — for I thought it hardly right
To let him pass, the trail's so blind — come here, my little pe-t
And see your papa — four, last May ; she hardly speaks plain yet.
Yes, sir, one more ; a son, aged twelve — he led your horse away —
Who thinks his little sister is not made of common clay ;
Who treats his gentle mother as a courtier treats a queen ;
Who obeys his father's lightest wish — such is the boy you've seen.
[away,
Since we came here ? Five years last June — how swift time flies
When health, and love, and happiness abide with us each day.
Yet once, o'er us, a cloud of woe spread its black wings in wrath ,
Our hearts, our joy, our life, all seemed directly in its path.
There was a vicious redskin — they called him Whisky Bill —
Who roamed about these prairies ; at times he used to fill
His carcass with vile whisky, then to our cabin come,
And frighten wife and little ones, if I was not at home.
One hazy day, last autumn, while at work amid the grain,
I heard a startling yell ! Whisky Bill had come again,
And with fierce, menacing gestures bade my frightened little wife,
Give him food and drink, " much plenty," or lie would take her life .
My face grew white with passion, and ere he was aware,
I had cleared the fence that hid me, and in the matted hair
Of the maddened, painted wretch, I made my left hand fast ;
My right clutched deep his tawny throat — he nearly breathed his last.
But a shudder thrilled my breast, when, as he lay on the ground,
He turned those black, malignant eyes on me with hate profound ;
And a devilish glare of murder shone in his bloodshot gaze,
As he rode away in silence — it haunted me for days.
A week or more had passed away, our hearts had lighter grown,
We hoped the swarthy fiend had fled. Ah ! had we then but known
That scarce a hundred yards away, concealed in a ravine,
He watched to strike the stealthy blow, our anguish had not been.
80 AN INCIDENT OF THE FRONTIER.
'Twas an Indian summer mora ; the red and smoky sun
Shed a warm, delicious glow, while we watched our little one
Straying, barefoot, from the door with her bonnet in her hand,
Her yellow hair swayed by the breeze with which her cheek was
[fanned.
Our boy had gone before the sun had risen o'er the hill
That mom, to seek the antelopes, and on them try his skill —
For he had shown, though but a lad, a nerve as firm as steel,
And oft his trusty rifle's spoil enriched our evening meal.
My wife gazed long, with loving eyes, upon the straying child,
And bade her go not far away ; she turned and sweetly smiled,
Though wilh an arch and saucy look, that said, " I won't obey ;
You'll have to catch me or I shall not mind a word you say."
Like some black bird of prey that with fierce and sudden wing,
Swoops down upon a shrinking dove — a hideons painted thing
Swept down and seized our treasure ; seized her floating yellow hair ;
Yelled wildly to his mustang ; was gone — we knew not where.
" God have mercy !" cried my wife — I stopped to hear no more
But sped madly, madly forward as man ne'er sped before,
And as I ran I cursed and screamed in helpless, wild despair,
At my toilsome, hopeless, failing speed — at last I tried a prayer.
[mean ?
What do I see ? The horseman stops ! What can his movements
Why tries he thus to climb the bank that hems in the ravine?
Ah ! God be praised ! my noble boy with his poised rifle stands
Firm as a rock upon the trail, and shouts forth his commands.
" Let my little sister go !" — the savage feigned to yield,
A moment more and he had turned and held her as a shield,
And with a loud derisive shout he sought to scale the bank —
In vain ; that deadly rifle rang — his horse beneath him sank.
With murder gleaming from his eyes he leapt toward my son,
While I 1 flew toward the spot ; each seized upon the gun ;
A second paused — with one fierce wrench I tore it from his hands,
Swung it aloft and — Whisky Bill lay senseless on the sands.
Against my bursting heart my girl, with trembling arms, I pressed,
And wept just like a little child — I need not tell the rest.
What's that you say ? You'd like to know the fate of Whisky Bill ?
I said I stretched him on the sands — I guess he lies there still.
Where drums beat, law is silent.
Be it better, be it worse, be ruled by him that has the purse.
After breakfast work and toil,
After dinner sit a while,
After supper walk a mile.
A wise man carries his cloak in fair weather, and a fool wants his in
rain.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 81
AGRICULTURAL HARDWARE.
Baker & Hamilton, 13 to 19 Front street, San Francisco, and 9 to 15
J street, Sacramento. — To almost every farmer and hardware dealer in this
State, or even on this Coast, the name of Baker & Hamilton is as familiar
»r household words. On almost every other cider-press, butter-worker,
harrow, plough, fanning mill, threshing machine, or steam engine,
scattered over the State, may be seen the familiar words, "Sold by Baker &
Hamilton, San Francisco and Sacramento." This firm commenced business
in 1853 at Sacramento, and (with the exception of a branch establishment
maintained for a while at Stockton), confined their place of business to that
city until 1867, when they established another house at San Francisco
under the supervision of Mr. Baker, who left Sacramento for that purpose,
Mr. Hamilton retaining charge of the old house at the latter place.
Their establishments occupy, as salesrooms, Nos. 9, 11, 13 and 15 J
street, Sacramento, and Nos. 13 to 19 Front street, San Francisco, at which
places ma}' be found almost anything in the hardware line, fro.m a fish-
hook up to a steam engine.
At certain seasons of the year, this establishment presents a scene of
bustle, life and activity, that gives one enlarged ideas of our agricultural
trade, and gives evidence that this house is one of its great distributing
centers. Including the cellar, four stories of their building are occupied by
the San Francisco house, a hoistway operated by water power connecting
them, and providing an easy and rapid means for the delivery of goods
to any part of the building.
Messrs. Baker <fe Hamilton, are constantly receiving large consignments
of goods from the East, both by water and rail.
In the latter portion of this volume will be found a catalogue of their
leading articles. *
The kinds of hardware sold by this firm embrace nearly every class
known to the trade, including —
1st, Stationary and portable steam engines, steam pumps, etc,
2d, Agricultural hardware, all kinds. ,
3d, Iron-working machinery, lathes, planers, drills, etc.
4th, Wood-working machinery, saws, mortisers, planers, lathes, ete.
5th, Mechanics' tools — a full assortment, by the best makers.
6th, Rope and belting.
7th, Builders' hardware.
In addition to their imports, they also manufacture largely, having
an establishment at San Lieandro, Alameda County, employing about forty
men, where they make large quantities of harrows, gang and single plows,
seed-sowers' cultivators, road-scrapers, etc.
Their establishment gives employment, in the capacity of salesmen,
book-keepers, porters, mechanics, draymen and laborers, to not less than
sixty persons.
•-•-•
Necessity is the mother of invention.
They that give must take.
It is easy to undertake, but more difficult to finish a thing.
Every bird thinks his own nest handsome.
6
82 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN ERANCISCO.
ROLLING MILLS.
Pacific Boiling Mill Company, Office, 3 and 5 Front street.— The
extensive works comprising what are known as the Pacific Rolling Mills,
located at Potrero Point, in the southern part of the city, are the first and
only establishments of the kind ever erected west of the Pocky Mountains.
TJhey are not only of large capacity, but are very complete in all of their
arrangements and appointments, constituting an institution of which
California may justly be proud. The company who have erected these
mills is composed of our best citizens, being men of enterprise, great
business sagacity, and possessed of ample means to carry out and thor-
oughly perfect their well-devised plans. The erection of these works, so
extensive and complete, supplies a necessity that had long been felt on this
coast, as they not only enable us to retain large sums of money in the
country, that were formerly sent abroad for the purchase of many kinds of
iron now produced here, but also afford the means for utilizing material
that was before not only worthless, but a nuisance and an incumbrance.
Thousands of tons of old iron are now gathered up annually and converted
into merchantable commodities, that for years were an eyesore and a
waste. t
To one unaccustomed to witnessing the operations of the tremendous
machinery employed in the manufacture of iron, a rolling mill presents a
scene of entrancing interest, unequaled by any industry prosecuted by
man. Great masses of iron in semi-fluid state, and glowing with a blind-
ing light, are drawn from the roaring furnaces and plunged into rapidly
revolving rolls through which they shoot again and again, each time
becoming longer and more shapely, until at last the dull, red, completed
bar is laid upon the platform.
Here, too, are immense trip and steam hammers that crush and shape
huge masses of metal into any desired form, with an ease and certainty
that makes one forget the immense power that operates them. Here also
are shears that cut a common bar of railroad iron, cold, as easy, seemingly,
,as one could snip off a piece of tape with a scissors.
Every class of work, however difficult or ponderous, can be performed
here that is done in similar first-class establishments East, such as forging
steamship shafts and anchors, making railroad and bar iron, railroad, boat
and ship spikes, nuts, washers, bridge and railroad work of all description.
These mills have now been in successful operation for several years,
turning out work of this kind; the proprietors having meantime been
adding such further machinery and other improvements as necessity
required or experience suggested, and it is altogether probable that they
can produce any desired article, and execute any class of work with as
much expedition, economy and perfection as can be done at any other
similar establishment in the United States.
A good name is better than gold.
A stout heart flings misfortune.
Many go out for wool and return shorn.
Forbid a ibol a thing, and that he will do.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FBANCISCO. 83
MEDICAL COLLEGES.
Toland Medical College, Stockton street, near Chestnut. — This college
was incorporated in 1864, and bears the name of its founder — having been
built by our well-known and eminent physician, Dr. H, H. Toland, of this
city. Donations like this are rare, when an individual, unaided, builds a
public institution of such magnitude. It has been perfected in its every
department, chemical, philosophical, anatomical, etc., including a thor-
oughly organized museum, and apparatus for illustrating the various
departments taught, being fully determined that it shall possess every
advantage to perfect an education in the science of medicine known to any
college of medicine. This college has a very efficient corps of professors —
some of the most eminent physicians in the State.
FACULTY. — H. H. Toland, m. d., Professor of Principles and Practice
of Surgery; B. Beverly Cole, m. d., Professor of Obstetrics and Clinical
Diseases of Women; Geo. Hewston, m. d., Professor of Principles and
Practice of Medicine; W. T. Fish, m. d., Professor of Physiology; L.
Falkenau, Professor of Chemistry; C. T. Deane, m. d., Professor of
Diseases of Women and Children, and Clinical Obstetrics; C. M. Bates,
M. D., Professor of Clinical Medicine; E. Trenor, m. d., Professor of
Medical Jurisprudence and Mental Diseases; A. A. O'ISTeill, m. d.,
Professor of Anatomy; W. T. Bradbury, m. d., Professor of Materia
Medica and Pharmacy; W. F. Smith, m. d., Professor of Ophthalmology
and Otology; W. H. Johnson, m. d., Adjunct to the Chair of Obstetrics
and Clinical Diseases of Women; Chas. Toland, m. d., Prosector to the
Chair of Surgery; Wm. H. Johnson, m. d., Curator of the Museum.
R. Beverly Cole, m. d., Dean; Office, No. 16 Geary street, above
Kearny.
There are peculiar advantages to students of medicine attending their
lectures and receiving their instruction in localities where they purpose
practicing. The more prominent reasons are the experiences of the
professors in the diseases incident to the climate, and the observance of the
peculiarity of these diseases under clinical instruction.
A college clinic or dispensary has also been established, which, together
with the City and County Hospital in close proximity to the college, affords
students unsurpassed opportunities for clinical instruction, where they can
see the very diseases with which, in their future practice, they will be called
upon to battle, which cannot eventuate otherwise than turning out into the
community not only theoretical, but practical physicians.
Another advantage of our climate in giving medical instruction, is the
evenness of its temperature, which permits the witnessing, during every
month of the year, all the different types and phases of diseases, and the
practical teaching of anatomy by dissection.
The healthful and invigorating influence of our climate, is an addi-
tional inducement to strangers to visit here to pursue the study of medicine,
and it is to be hoped that the physicians of the Pacific Coast shall receive
the degree of " Doctor of Medicine " from our own home institutions,
which will not only guarantee the success of our medical colleges, but will
far better qualify them in the faithful performance of their duties to those,
languishing under the diseases incident to our climate.
84 HOW MOTHER DID IT.
"HOW MOTHER DID IT."
f we were to suggest one thing which, above all other things combined,
would most contribute to the happiness of the young housekeeper, it
would be to learn how to cook as a husband's mother cooked.
Mother used to make coffee so and so ! Mother used to have such waffles !
and mother knew just how thick or how thin to make a squash pie !
And, O, if I could only taste of mother's biscuit ! Such are the comments
of the husband, and of too many meal-tables. It would be only a little
more cruel for the husband to throw his fork across the table, or to dash
the contents of his teacup in his wife's face. The experience of a contrite
husband is good reading for those men whose daily sauce is " How
mother did it." He says : —
" I found fault some time ago, with Maria Ann's custard pje, and tried
to tell her how my mother made custard pie. Maria made the pie after
my recipe. It lasted longer than any other pie we ever had. Maria set it
on the table every day for dinner; and you see I could not eat it, because I
forgot to tell her to put in any eggs or shortening. It was economical;
but in a fit of generosity I stole it from the pantry and gave it to a poor
little boy in the neighborhood. The boy's funeral was largely attended by
his former playmates. I did not go myself.
Then there were the buckwheat cakes. I told Maria Ann any fool
could beat her making those cakes; and she said I had better toy it. So I
did. I emptied the batter all out of the pitcher one evening and set the
cakes myself. I got the flour and the salt and water; and, warned by the
past, put in a liberal quantity of eggs and shortening. I shortened with
tallow from roast-beef, because I could not find any lard. The batter did
not look right, and I lit my pipe and pondered. Yeast, yeast, to be sure.
I had forgotten the yeast. I went and woke up the baker, and got six
cents' worth of yeast. I set the pitcher behind the sitting-room stove, and
went to bed.
" In the morning I got up early and prepared to enjoy my triumph;
but I didn't. That yeast was strong enough to raise the dead, and the
batter was running all over the carpet. I scraped it up and put it into
another dish. Then I got a fire in the kitchen and put on the griddle.
The first lot of cakes stuck to the griddle. The second dittoed, only more.
Maria came down and asked me what was burning. She advised me to
grease the griddle. I did it. One end of the griddle got too hot, and I
dropped the thing on my tenderest corn while trying to turn it around.
" Finally the cakes were ready for breakfast, and Maria got the other
things ready. We sat down. My cakes did not have exactly the right
flavor. I took one mouthful, and it satisfied me. I lost my appetite at
once. Maria would not let me put one on her plate. I think those cakes
may be reckoned a dead loss. The cat would not eat them. The dog ran
off and stayed away three days, after one was offered to him. The hens
wouldn't go within ten feet of them. I threw them into the back yard,
and there has not been a pig on the premises since. I eat what is put
before me now, and do not allude to my mother's system of cooking,"
A ragged colt may prove a good horse.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 85
BLACKING MANUFACTORY.
Lake & Co., Office at J. B. Hughes, 13 Kearny street — Factory, 636
Third street. — This business has been carried on in San Francisco for several
years past at 636 Third street, by Messrs. Lake <fe Co., who make the
article now so extensively used and favorably known as the Japan Paste
Blacking. This valuable preparation has been patented by Mr. Blake, the
inventor and proprietor, and the fact of its having been awarded the first
premium at several of our Industrial Expositions is a sufficient guarantee
of its superior excellence. After being subjected to the test of analytical
chemists at the California State Agricultural Fairs, held in 1867, 1868 and
1869, and by them pronounced the best article of the kind ever introduced
into the United States, it took the first premium on these several occasions,
and also at the Mechanics' Fair held in San Francisco in 1868, where it was
declared the best blacking ever made, both for preserving the leather and
for producing readily a brilliant and permanent jet black lustre, and yet so
dry as not to soil the finest linen. Messrs. Lake & Co. are now manufac-
turing large quantities of this valuable compound, for which they.obtained
a steadily and rapidly increasing sale both in California and the other
Pacific States and Territories. No other blacking has ever attained to
greater favor, not even the famous Day & Martin, which costs considerable
more than this. The proprietors put up this article in both the paste and
liquid form ; every box and jar being labelled " Lake <fe Co's First Prem-
ium Patent Japan Blacking."
Wholesale Price List: — No. 1, regular box size, per gross, $7.50;
No. 2, double deep, $15.00. Liquid Blacking, No. 1, half pint jars, per
doz., $1.50; No. 2, pint jars, per doz., $2.00; No. 3, quart jars, per doz.,
$3.00. A liberal discount to the trade.
J. H. Culver, corner Mission and Fremont streets. — Cable or Rope
Moulding has been used and admired in architecture from the earliest
ages; but other forms of twist mouldings, owing to the great cost of carving
them, have been seldom used.
Recently a machine has been invented and patented by Mr. J. H.
Culver, of this city, capable of cutting spirally any form or configuration
of mouldings and sizes, from one-fourth inch up to six inches in diameter,
right or left, and at prices no greater than for common straight moulding.
One variety we would specially mention: it is in the form of a common
rope of two or three strands, but each strand of different wood: say, black
walnut, cedar and laurel, which when twisted into each other, and oiled or
varnished, forms one of the most beautiful specimens of wood ornamen-
tation imaginable; and the cutting of which, is a marvel in wood working
machinery.
For further information, apply to the inventor, who has a machine in
operation, and every description of spiral moulding on hand or cut to
order.
Greedy folk has long arms.
Good to begin well, better to end well.
86 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
FIRE AND BURGLAR PROOF SAFES.
(CALIFORNIA MANUFACTURE.)
Jonathan Kittredge, 18 and 20 Fremont street. — California cannol claim
to be a manufacturing State. As a general observation, this is true, yet
when our citizens do undertake to produce merchandise from raw
material, they do it with such energy, and honesty, and ability, that the
eastern article is left far behind, and as frequently happens, is driven
entirely from the market.
We could cite a dozen instances where this is the case, if we had space.
California blankets, California furniture, California wagons, California
leather, are all preferred by our people, and used when they can be obtained.
Jonathan Kittredge has demonstrated that stronger, handsomer and
more durable safes are made in San Francisco than anywhere else.
Why this is so we can't say, there is no reason why as good a safe should
not be made at the East, as here, the pertinent fact remains, however, that
they are not as trustworthy and honestly made as ours, and our merchants
and business men have found it out at last.
Mr. Kittredge's safes have been tried in every conceivable manner;
the burglar has expended his skill on them in vain; the hottest fires
have raged around them for hours, and days even, without doing any
damage to their contents. At the great fire in Harpending Block, on
Market street, one of these safes belonging to Oulif, Weiner & Dato, was
subjected to the heat for 24 hours, and yet came out with its contents
uninjured. The identical safe now stands in front of his factory, where it
may be seen by the curious. Messrs. Oulif, Weiner <& Dato, purchased
another of Mr. Kittredge, and addressed him the following unsolicited
testimonial :
" We, the undersigned, hereby certify that this safe was taken from the
store lately occupied by us, having stood the test of the great fire in
Harpending's Block, on Market street, our books, papers, etc., being
found, when opened, in a perfect state of preservation. We therefore
recommend Jonathan Kittredge's safes as being entirely fire proof.
Oulif, Wiener & Dato."
Messrs. J. J. Halpine, of Pioche, Nevada, had one of Mr. Kittredge's
safes in use at the time that town was burned, and it was the only safe that
passed through the ordeal, preserving its contents unharmed.
These safes have been repeatedly placed in competition with eastern
safes at our industrial exhibitions, and have never failed to be awarded the
first premium, in two instances receiving gold medals.
They are not only constructed with the utmost care and skill, but are
most elaborately and beautifully finished, both externally and internally.
Mr. Kittredge makes all kinds of safes, from the largest bank vault, down
to the smallest burglar proof ; and his facLory for the past year, has been
taxed to its fullest capacity. Mr. Kittredge is deserving the patronage of
Californians, for having, unaided and single-handed, commenced the man-
ufacture of safes in competition with the importers whom he has fought
long and well, and gained for himself the well deserved name, the
»' Pioneer Safe Manufacturer of the Pacific Coast."
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 87
THE LOCOMOTIVE.
BY JACOB PRICE.
Hark! a wild advancing shriek upon the midnight air,
To which the hills reply again with echoes reaching far;
A mighty roar that awes our souls and fills our hearts with dread,
As when the awful earthquake rushes by with giant tread.
The monster comes; lo, demon-like a single eye fierce gleams
Within its iron forehead set, from which. the strong light streams
Into the cow'ring darkness, that seems to shrink away,
As if in dread of its wild glare, like night before the day.
Deep in its savage jaws there glows a fierce, devouring fire
That yields a strength to those grim arms that naught can ever tire,
While from its belching crest there rolls a cloud of smoke and flame
That backward streams along the path from whence the dragon came.
On, on with wild and breathless speed along the trembling ground
With flashing wheels and rapid breath into the night profound,
It plunges, and with lessened roar is lost amid the gloom
Of distant hills; the night once more is silent as the tomb.
— Alameda Gazette.
SCHOOL AND OFFICE FURNITURE.
Warren Holt, 607 Clay street. — This is the oldest house in this business
on the Pacific Coast, having made the manufacturing of school furniture a
specialty for the past ten years.
This institute is prepared to furnish schools and seminaries with the
most approved school furniture, apparatus, stationery, and all other school
supplies, such as blackboards, slating for blackboards, babbittonian pens,
map stands, all varieties and colors of inks, dumb bells, pointers, erasers,
copy books, pencils, pen holders, paper cutters, maps, charts, globes and
ink-wells. Having ample facilities for manufacturing and importing most
of the articles used in schools, teachers, county superintendents, and
trustees, will find their orders promptly filled, with articles that will give
entire satisfaction. Send for Price List.
GUNS AND SPORTING MATERIALS.
Wilson & EvatlS, 513 Clay street. — This old house keep constantly on
hand, every variety of fishing and sporting materials, such as guns, rifles,
pistols, hooks, lines, ammunition in all forms, etc., etc. They also repair
anything in their line at the shortest notice.
The man who can wear a shirt a whole week and keep it clean, is not
fit for anything else.
Take good heed, will surely speed.
Greatness of mind is always compassionate.
He that has a goose will get a gander.
88 LOST — TO SOCIETY LOST.
LOST— TO SOCIETY LOST.
Touch, not the fallen one — drive her away ;
Guilty and soulless, but beautiful clay ;
Though her heart's bleeding, hear not her pleading^
At any cost ;
Forget what is good of her — speak, if you would of her,,
As lost — to society lost.
So sad and dejected — the poor broken-hearted ;
Love, honor, and all save life have departed.
None proffer relief to heal her heart's grief —
Oh, fearful the cost !
No one befriends her — fashion condemns her
As lost; — to society lost.
Heed not her sighs, her entreaties and tears —
Spurn her as one for whom nobody cares ;
Lost and degraded, to memory she's faded —
Trifling the cost.
Forget you ere blessed her, ere kissed and caressed her-
She's lost — to society lost.
Oh, pity her not — she has fallen from place ;
Applaud her betrayer, receive him with grace ;
Smile on her deceiver, but do not relieve her,
At any cost !
For such is propriety in Christian society
When lost — to society lost.
Innocent, loving, betrayed and forsaken ;
Guilty and fallen — by vice overtaken ;
Let society blame her — try not to reclaim her,
At any cost.
Forget all her beauty — do society's duty :
She's lost — to society lost.
Oh, merciless fashion, why do you nurture
Hypocrisy's laws and assassinate virtue ?
Bow to the false text, oh, immaculate sex,
At any cost ;•
Frown on the fallen one; and your proud duty's done :
She's lost — to society lost.
»-•-•
It takes two to make a bargain, it ought to take two to break it.
Virtue needs all the enemies she has got, to keep her tools bright and
in order.
Thieves hunt in couples, but a liar has no accomplice.
Secrets make a dungeon of the heart, and a jailor of its owner.
Wit is the pleasant surprise of truth.
Chastity is like an icicle, if it once melts that is the last of it.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
89
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90
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A HOUSEHOLD SONG.
Air — " Auld Lang Syne."
In all the range of household art, ,
There's nothing can compare
With a Wheeleb & Wilson Sewing Machine,
For driving away dull care.
For driving away, etc.
Turn with your foot its rapid wheel,
Spool off your thread with a whirl,
Stitch with its sharp stiletto of steel —
You've a garment for boy or girl.
You've a garment, etc
And what used to be but a day of toil,
Is now but an hour of play,
As you rapidly finish your dainty work
And lay it, completed, away.
And lay it, etc.
Oh! a fairy bright is the S'ewing Machine,
With its braider and corder complete,
And a neater Christmas Gift, I ween,
You'll not find on Montgomery street.
You'll not find, etc.
92 THE GOAT.
THE GOAT.
The following lines, written by Dr. Haley, Sen., of San Francisco,
whose garden had been repeatedly ruined by goats running at large in the
neighborhood, will, we think, meet with a hearty response from those sub-
jected to similar annoyances from those mischievous animals.
It is but fair to add that we obtained them for publication without the
Doctor's knowledge :
Nature, it seems, once took a freak
To make a vulgar kind of sheep ;
To make it near a sheep as could
By leaving out all traits that's good.
She made it just about as tame ;
She made the head and horns the same ;
She made the legs, and made the feet,
And made the tail just like the sheep ;
She made the voice in sound and diction,
Just like the sheep — there's no distinction —
Then dropped the sheep while at this station,
And ceased all further imitation,
And finished up this vulgar creature
Without one single comely feature ;
Then took her book and in it wrote —
This animal we'll call a goat.
For wool she gave it shaggy hair,
Some parts she left entirely bare;
A bristly mustache gave the male,
With crumpled horns and short stub tail.
They've not one moral trait that's good;
. They much prefer to steal their food;
Go prowling round on empty stomach,
And rather steal a rotten turnip
Than have the best of oats and hay,
Provided in an honest way.
Their appetite is always good;
Grass, hay and oats their natural food;
But such desires have they to steal
They'll leave this wholesome, sav'ry meal,
And leap o'er fence, or crawl in under,
To make their meal on stolen plunder.
Nature in making every creature,
On earth, in air, or in the water,
Omitted not to all of giving
i Some faculty to get their living.
Superior speed she gave to some
To cateh their prey while on the run;
To others gave superior cunning ;
THE GOAT. 93
They lie in ambush, wait its coming.
Some range the fields in quest of food ;
Some dive beneath the surging flood ;
Some climb on trees where fruits abound ;
Some dig for roots beneath the ground.
The swallow glides through evening air,
And gathers insects sporting there.
The bee unerring instincts guide
To where the flowers rich sweets provide ;
The spider weaves a tangled snare ;
Suspends it floating in the air ;
Conceals himself from observation,
Nor waits in fruitless expectation.
Thus nature, without stint or measure,
Bestowed on all this valued treasure ;
All but the goat ; he's an exception ;
She left him to his own protection.
His case she seemed to overlook,
And so he lives by hook or crook.
She gave to him no moral feeling,
So naturally he takes to stealing.
He's on the tramp from early dawn
Till evening shadows veil the lawn,
Hoping to find while on his trail,
Some open gate, or broken rail.
He enters, then the next that's known
The mischief's done ; he's been and gone .
Your valued garden richly flowered,
Its tender foliage all devoured.
Your pinks with variegated hue,
Your violets and pansies too,
Your flowering shrubs with beauties rare-
Whose fragrance filled the morning air,
The very plants you cherish most,
All mazTed and trampled in the dust.
For this outrageous depredation
You look in vain for reparation.
There is an adage old and true,
That we should give the devil his due.
By acting from this sage suggestion
Perhaps 'tis well enough to mention —
The female gives, when highly foddered,
A quart of milk (before 'tis wartered).
Aside from this we safely state
They have not one redeeming trait.
HealoVs College Journal,
Help is good at all plays but at meat.
94 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
KNOWLES' PATENT STEAM PUMP.
A. L. jFisll. A^ent, 9 First street, near Market. — This beautifully
designed and simple machine stands ahead of all competitors in efficiency,
durability, workmanship and quality of material, is manufactured at
"Warren, Mass. Its patentee and partner in manufacturing, Mr. L. J.
Knowles, at one time a mechanic at the lathe, is now the proprietor of
three large manufactories, and has stood a prominent member in the
Massachusetts Senate, and is now chairman of the Bank Committee of
Worcester. His pecuniary success grew out of the high esteem gained by
this pump among first-class mechanics and manufacturers in the New Eng-
land States. At the great Mechanics' Fair, in San Francisco, last fall, after
a thorough trial with five steam pumps, of different manufactories, in which
three of the first-class participated, the Knowles was shown to be most
efficient, and received the only award; also we were shewn the Diploma
and Silver Medal awarded by the last State Fair at Sacramento City.
The best recommendation we can give is the Central Pacific R. R., who
have twenty -five or thirty in use; and are used extensively for irrigating
and mining purposes throughout the coast. The large pump now awaiting
shipment in this city for Messrs. Stevenson & Son, Merced County, is by
three times the largest ever on this coast. Its water piston is thirty inches
in diameter, and calculated to pump 200,000 gallons per hour.
There is little for the rake after the broom.
He that never rode, never fell.
He that lives on hope has a slender diet.
He is full of fruit that wants an orchard.
What sobriety conceals, drunkenness reveals.
Fear is the first lesson learned, and the last one forgotten.
HATS A^O CAPS.
J. C. CoillilS? 321 Montgomery street. — Mr. Collins was one of the
pioneers who established business here in 1852, and continued for ten
years, building up a good and prosperous trade; but, like most of our
earlier California inhabitants, imbued with the spirit of adventure, and
stimulated by the desire to experience the excitement of a frontier life,
disposed of his business here — going into the interior of our State,
halting awhile in Sacramento, where he followed his trade for a few years,
making many friends, bat the quiet pursuits of that city not being con-
genial to his tastes, he soon left for the "Silver State," locating at Virginia
City in 1864, where he occupied the famed position, the leading hatter
of that city, until 1871, when he removed to San Francisco, feeling,
doubtless, with most everyone, who has resided here, that San Francisco
is the Pacific Coast.
Mr. Collins makes to order, repairs, remodels and imports every
variety of hats and caps known to the trade, and always keeps on hand all
the latest styles. Remember his number, 321 Montgomery street, Odd
Fellows' Building, and this is his motto : "Best goods and cheapest rates."
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 95
ARTIFICIAL STONE.
Pacific Stone Company, Office and Salesroom, 10 Bush street. — This
beautiful building material so largely used in England and on this
continent, is gradually becoming appreciated on this coast, and of late is
being used to a large extent for a variety of purposes.
The Scientific American — always very careful and accurate in its state-
ments and deductions — winds up a series of articles concerning building
material, by predicting that artificial stone, as made by the Eansome
process, will be substituted in the next few years for other material, to an
unprecedented extent, and we see nothing to prevent it, for it certainly
possesses all the requisites in an eminent degree. It has been in use in
England a sufficient length of time to prove its entire indestructibility —
indeed the very elements of which it is composed — silicate, (glass) and
sand — forbid the possibility of decay and as for strength, beauty, ckeaj)-
ness and utility, it speaks for itself. With the exception of cut stone,
there is nothing known that is equal to it, and the variety of uses to which
it can be applied is unlimited. For cornices, capitals, columns, bal-
ustrades, battlements and all the decorative parts of buildings it is not
only the most cheap and durable, but also the handsomest substance that can
be used, on account of the ease with which it can be moulded in any
desired form — mouldings, scroll work, brackets, heads, busts, figures, etc. ,
no matter how intricate or elaborate the design, are produced with equal
ease and perfection. Fountains of exquisite design, and absolutely
indestructible, are produced in this material very cheaply; while vases,
steps, pavings of various colors and patterns, cemetery work, mantels,
curbs for garden borders, etc., etc., a»e furnished at short notice. Grind-
stones of any required weight, form and qualitj', warranted to perform as
represented, are also manufactured. The five large statues in the State
Capitol, designed by P. Mezzara, are composed of this material, and were
manufactured by the Pacific Stone Co. Architects who have- examined
it, have uniformly pronounced in its favor. Messrs. Wright and Sanders,
architects, have addressed the company the following, which explains
itself :
San Francisco, March, 1871.
" To the Pacific Stone Company — Gentleman: Having largely employed
Ransome's Patent Stone in the construction of the First Congregational
Church in this city, as well as in sundry cemetery works, we have to state
that the favorable opinion we had originally formed of the material has
been more than justified. Regarding it in an economic point of view, in
all cases in which repetitions of the same forms are admissable, the patent
stone offers a valuable aid to the ornamental design, while as a construction
agent we are confident that it is as durable as the best quality of sandstone.
Your obedient servants,
Wright & Sanders.
A bad cloak often covers a good drinker.
Every man has a goose that lays golden eggs, if he only knew it.
Give is a good man, but he is soon weary.
96 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
T. E,. Church, Russ House Block, 223 Montgomery street. — Who ever saw
a man or woman in their right mind who did not look better, feel better,
and act better when neatly and comfortably dressed. All are not affected
to the same extent by it, and men probably because of their coarser
organization, feel its influence on themselves and others, less than women,
but all are influenced by it to a greater extent than they are aware of, or
would be willing to admit.
It is regarded as a sign of weakness by some men — but by no women —
to pay any attention to dress beyond securing covering and warmth, but
such are as far wrong and foolish as those who go to the opposite extreme
and make dandies of themselves; each is disgusted most heartily with
the other, and both in turn disgust persons of common sense. Formerly,
it was indispensable if a gentleman would be well dressed, that he should
employ a tailor who measured his person and made his garments to order.
At the present time it is questionable whether a man, of ordinary build,
cannot dress himself with more taste in some of our retail clothing houses.
Of course, he must not go into those slop shop establishments where
inferior material is thrown together, after the fashions in vogue a half a
dozen years ago, and sold at any price that can be obtained, but let him go
into an establishment like that of Mr. Church's, whose daily sales are so
large that the stock is entirely changed every few months, and, in nine
cases out of ten, he will come out of it a better dressed man, after the
expenditure of from thirty to fifty dollars, than he would if he had expended
twice that sum in a tailoring establishment. Mr. Church has all of his
clothing made to order after the latest and most elegant styles, by men
whose taste and skill is unsurpassed, and for that reason he is enabled not
only to dress a man fashionably and in good taste, but also to warrant his
goods both with respect to their quality and workmanship.
Mr. Church has a long array of customers, who rely solely on his
judgment concerning their wardrobe* having found by long experience,
that they can trust him to their own advantage both as to cost and
appearance.
They say to him: " Church, isn't it about time that I had a new suit of
clothes ?"
"I guess so," is the reply. "What color do you want this time, and
about what price ?"
" O, I leave that all to you," and so they go on from year to year, their
friends supposing from their appearance that they are patrons of some of
our high-toned tailoring establishments.
All things are good with the good.
Deed shows proof.
All that is said in the kitchen should not be heard in the parlor.
Quick returns make rich merchants.
Keep a safe conscience and let people say what they will.
He who gives freely gives twice.
Never judge by appearances.
MY FIRST INTERVIEW WITH ARTEMUS WARD. 97
MY FIRST INTERVIEW WITH ARTEMUS WARD.
S. J. Clemens (Mark Twain).
<jf had never seen him before. He brought letters of introduction from
)ll mutual friends in San Francisco, and by invitation I breakfasted with
<'*■ him. It was almost religion, there in the silver mines, to precede
such a meal with whiskey cocktails. Artemus, with the true cosmopolitan
instinct, always deferred to the customs of the country he was in, and so
he ordered three of those abominations. Hingston was present. I am a
match for nearly any beverage you can mention except a whisky cock-
tail, and thereiore I said I would rather not drink one. I said it would go
right to my head and confuse me so that I would be in a helpless tangle in
ten minutes. I did not want to act like a lunatic before strangers. B
Artemus gently insisted, and I drank the treasonable mixture under
protest, and felt all the time that I was doing a thing I might be sorry for.
In a minute or two I began to imagine that my ideas were clouded. I
waited in great anxiety for the conversation to open, with a sort of vague
hope that my understanding would prove clear, after all, and my mis-
givings groundless.
Artemus dropped an unimportant remark or two, and then assumed a
look of superhuman earnestness, and made the following astounding
speech. He said : —
" Now, there is one thing I ought to ask you about before I forget it.
You have been here in Silverland — here in Nevada — two or three years,
and, of course, your position on the daily press has made it necessary for
you to go down in the mines and examine them carefully in detail, and
therefore you know all about the silver-mining business. Now, what I
want to get at is — is, well, the way the deposits of ore are made, you know.
For instance. Now, as I understand it, the vein which contains the silver
is sandwiched in between castings of granite, and runs along the ground,
and sticks up like a curbstone.
" Well, take a vein forty feet thick, for example, or eighty, for that
matter, or even a hundred — say you go down on it with a shaft, straight
down, you know, or with what you call the < inclines,' maybe you go
down five hundred feet, or maybe you don't go down but two hundred,
any way you go down, and all the time this vein grows narrower, when
the castings come nearer or approach each other, you may say, that is
when they do approach, which of course they do not always do, partic-
ularly in cases where the nature of the formation is such that they stand
apart wider than they otherwise would, and which geology has failed to
account for, although everything in that science goes to prove that, all
things being equal, it would if it did not, or would not certainly if it did,
and then of course they are. Do not you think it is ?"
I said to myself : " Now I just knew how it would be — that cussed
whiskey cocktail has done the business for me ; I don't understand any
more than a clam." And then I said aloud, " I — I — that is — if you don't
mind, would you — would you say that over again ? I ought — "
7
98 MY FIRST INTERVIEW WITH ARTEMUS WAR D.
" O, certainly, certainly! You see I am very unfamiliar with the subject
and perhaps I don't present my case clearly, but I — "
"No, no — no, no — you state it plain enough, but that vile cocktail has
muddled me a little. But I will — no, I do understand, for that matter, but
I would get the hang of it all the better if you went over it again — and I'll
pay better attention this time."
He said, " Why, what I was after was this." [Here he became even more
fearfully impressive than ever, and emphasized each particular point by
checking it off on his finger ends.] " This vein, or lode, or ledge, or what-
ever you call it, runs along between two layers of granite, just the same as
if it were a sandwich, Very well. Now, suppose you go down on that, say
a thousand feet, or may be twelve hundred (it don't really matter), before
you drift ; and then you start your drifts, some of them across the ledge,
and others along the length of it where the sulphurets — I believe they call
them sulphurets, though why they should, considering that, so far as I can
see, the main dependence of a miner does not so lie, as some suppose, but
in which it cannot be successfully maintained, wherein the same should not
continue, while part and parcel of the same ore not committed to either in
the sense referred to, whereas, under different circumstances, the most
inexperienced amongst us, could not detect it if it were, or might overlook
it if it did, or scorn the very idea of such a thing, even though it were
palpably demonstrated as such. Am I not right ?"
I said, sorrowfully: "I feel ashamed of myself, Mr. Ward. I know I
ought to understand you perfectly well, but you see that infernal whiskey
cocktail has got into my head, and now I cannot understand even the
simplest proposition. I told you how it would be."
" O, don't mind it, don't mind it; the fault was my own, no doubt, —
though I did think it clear enough for — "
" Don't say a word. Clear! Why, you stated it as clear as the sun to
anybody but an abject idiot, but it's that confounded cocktail that has
played the mischief."
" No, now don't say that. I'll begin it all over again and — "
"Don't now, — for goodness' sake, don't do anything of the kind,
because I tell you my head is in such a condition that I don't believe I
could understand the most trifling question a man could ask me."
" Now, don't you be afraid. I'll put it so plain this time that you can't
help but get the hang of it. We will begin at the very beginning." [Lean-
ing far across the table, with determined impressiveness wrought upon his
every feature, and fingers prepared to keep tally of each point as enumera-
ted; and I, leaning forward with painful interest, resolved to comprehend
or perish.] "You know the vein, the ledge, the thing that contains the
metal, where it constitutes the medium between all other forces, whether
of present or remote agencies, so brought to bear in favor of the former
against the latter, or the latter against the former, or all, or both, or com-
promising as possible the relative differences existing within the radius
whence culminate the several degrees of similarity to which — ' '
"I said: " O, blame my wooden head, it ain't any use! — it ain't any
use to try, — I can't understand anything. The plainer you get it the more
I can't get the hang of it."
-J heard a suspicious noise behind me, and turned in time to see
WHICH SHALL IT BE. 99
Hingston dodging behind a newspaper, and quaking with a gentle ecstasy
of laughter. I looked at Ward again, and he had thrown off his dread
solemnity and was laughing also. Then I saw that I had been sold, — that
I had been made the victim of a swindle in the way of a string of
plausibly worded sentences that didn't mean anything under the sun.
Artemus Ward was one of the best fellows in the world, and one of the
most companionable. It has been said that he was not fluent in conversa-
tion, but, with the above experience in my mind, I differ.
WHICH SHALL IT BE?
[A rich man, who had no children, proposed to his neighbor, who had
seven, to take one of them, and promised, if the parents would consent,
that he would give them property enough to make themselves and their
other six children comfortable for life.]
Which shall it be ? Which shall it be ?
I looked at him — John looked at me,
And when I found that I must speak,
My voice seemed low and weak.
"Tell me again what Robert said;"
And then I, listening, bent my head.
This is his letter :
" I will give thee
A house and land while you shall live,
If in return, from out your seven,
One child to me for aye is given."
I looked at John's old garments worn ;
I thought of all that he had borne
Of poverty, and work, and care,
Which I, though willing, could not share ;
I thought of seven young mouths to feed,
Of seven little children's need,
And then of this.
" Come, John," said I,
"We'll choose among them as they lie
Asleep." So, walking hand to hand,
Dear John and I surveyed our band.
First to the cradle lightly stepped,
Where Lilian, baby slept.
Softly the father stooped to lay
His rough hand down in a loving way,
When dream or whisper made her stir,
And huskily he said, "Not her!"
We stooped beside the trundle bed,
And one long ray of lamplight shed
Athwart the boyish faces there,
In sleep so beautiful and fair,
100 WHICH SHALL IT BE.
I saw on James' rough red cheek
A tear undried. Ere John could speak,
"He's but a baby, too," said I,
And kissed him as we hurried by ;
Pale, patient Robbie's angel face
Still, in his sleep, bore suffering's trace —
" No, for a thousand crowns, not him,"
He whispered, while our eyes were dim.
Poor Dick! bad Dick! our wayward son —
Turbulent, restless, idle one —
Could he be spared? Nay; He who gave
Bade us befriend him to the grave ;
Only a mother's heart could be
Patient enough for such as he.
"And so," said John, "I would not dare
To take him from her bedside prayer."
Then stole we softly up above,
And knelt by Mary, child of love.
" Perhaps for her 'twould better be,"
I said to John. Quite silently
He lifted up a curl that lay
Across her cheek in wilful way,
And shook his head, "Nay, love, not thee,"
The while my heart beat audibly.
"Only one more, our eldest lad,
Trusty and truthful, good and glad —
So like his father. " No, John, no ;
I cannot, will not, let him go."
And so we wrote in courteous way,
We could not give one child away,
And afterward toil lighter seemed,
'Thinking of that of which we dreamed,
jHappy in truth that not one face,
Was missed from its accustomed place;
Thankful to work for all the seven,
Trusting the rest to One in Heaven.
WINDMILLS, PUMPS, TANKS, ETC.
AtWOOd & Bodwell, 2 H and 2 1 3 Mission street. — This is one of our
oldest and far most extensive establishments in the manufacture of wind-
mills, tanks, etc., on the Pacific Coast. Their mills are their own patents,
and are known from the rocky mountains to the waters of the Pacific.
They have also recently patented a horse power, that we unhesitatingly
declare the best we ever saw, both for ease in running and durability.
This firm manufacture tanks of any required capacity, also supply pumps,
and in short, everything in their line of business, and what is more valuable
to the purchaser, all their work is warranted.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 101
IRON DOORS, SHUTTERS, BANK VAULTS, SAFES, ETC.
John R. Sims, Oregon street, between Front and Davis. — Since we have
not the space to spare for a description of all the establishments in San
Francisco engaged, in this branch of manufacture, we select, for the
purpose of illustrating the importance of this business in our midst, one
of the largest and most noteworthy of their number, viz : John R. Sims',
located on Oregon street, between Front and Davis.
Mr. Sims started business in this city in the spring of 1853, and in the
fall of that same year erected the building he now occupies. Having been
long and favorably known to our business community, sustaining the
reputation so desirable to a man in business, that of always doing as he
agrees, and as a consequence has continued to grow prosperous to the
present time, adding thereto all the improved machinery applicable to his
manufactory. Mr. Sims constantly employs about twenty-five hands, and
the following are the leading varieties of work made at his factory: Bank
Vaults, Burglar and Fire Proof Safes, Iron Doors and Shutters, Iron
Railings and Fences, Girders and House-Smithing generally.
It is really a pleasure for one who, in his boyhood days was accustomed
to see the blacksmith with his cold chisel and punch in hand working
away weeks, nay, even months, to execute a small order for a few iron
shutters, or perchance a bank vault door, to go through a well appointed
shop of this kind and witness the rapidity with which a much superior
style of work is now performed through the employment of machinery.
We advise those wishing anything in his line to call before contracting
elsewhere.
Every one to his liking.
A person is known by the company he keeps.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
It is a pleasant thing to govern, even though it be but a flock of sheep.
A bad vessel is seldom broken.
All is not gold that glitters.
Every dog must have his day.
GUNS, RIFLES, PISTOLS, ETC.
A. J. Plate, 510 Sacramento street, commenced business in October,
1850, on Leidesdorff street, removed to Commercial, thence to Sansome,
thence to the present location. From a small stand his business has
rapidly increased until it now stands as the leading house on this coast. A
direct importer of all kinds of fire-arms, both for sporting and military
use. Among the rest we can mention Charles W. Lancaster's double grip
rebounding locks patent breech loader, the finest fouling piece made;
double-barrelled guns, from the plainest to the best; Colt's, Smith and
Wesson, and other make of pistols; a full assortment of Dixson & Sons'
flasks and pouches, etc.; Eley Bros., London, wads, caps, etc., — in short
any and everything in that line. The Agency for the Remington & Son's
guns, rifles and pistols, is also at his store. Particular attention paid to
new work and repairing.
102 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
WIRE ROPE AND PATENT ENDLESS ROPEWAY.
' A. S. Hallidie, 519 Front street, Wire Rope Manufacturer, Inventor
and sole proprietor of the Patent Endless Ropeway, for transporting mate-
rial over mountain roads, etc.; Suspension Bridge Builder.
Mining in California in 1849 and mining in 1872 are very different
things. The surface scratching of early days — the hen-mining, as it may
be called — has given way to the deep underground working — or gopher
mining — and there are but few on the Pacific Coast who did not go-for>
gopher) mining some time or another — and the many who have remained
miners of gold are now minus of gold, unless they have thrown off the old
man of '49 and become reconciled to the modes of working of the present
day.
The rude machinery, and still ruder processes used in mining have given
way to the latest and most improved machinery known in the world, and
the scientific processes now so successfully in use all over the Pacific
Coast.
Mines that have "petered out," are now made to pay by the Paul
process, who has galvanized new life into poor rock — and rock heretofore
too poor to transport from the mine to the mill, is now roped in at remark-
ably low cost by the Hallidie systems of rope transportation, or endless
ropeway.
Suspension Bbidges. — The rivers on the western slopes of the Sierra
Nevada are rapid mountain streams, many of them running almost dry in
summer, and all, during the winter and spring months, becoming w r ild,
roaring, tumbling, rollicking, dangerous rivers.
Bridges of wood were constructed and every winter w r ashed away; and
it was not until Wire Suspension Bridges, of long spans, crossing these
rivers at one leap, far enough above the highest water to be away from
danger, that any dependence could be placed upon the bridge during the
freshets which annually visit the rivers of California; and even with all the
precaution and foresight that an engineer could bring to bear in locating a
bridge, the river would so far rise above any known water mark, or tradi-
tional high water, that even a suspension bridge would once in a while be
swept off. Mr. Hallidie's engineering ability was early called into practice,
and while yet only nineteen years of age he constructed across the middle
fork of the American River, at Horseshoe Bar, a suspension bridge and
acqueduct — the first ever constructed on tUe Pacific Coast of any consider-
able span — and which supplied the miners on the river bars with water for
mining for many years, and served as a crossing for passengers. Many
other works of this kind followed, and which, in conjunction with mountain
trail cutting and road building, opened up a good chance for rough
experience in this particular line of engineering.
In 1860 he built a bridge across the Klamath River which was carried off
by the remarkable floods of 1861-2. The bridge was constructed at a point
five miles below the junction of the Trinity River, and was ninety-eight
feet in the clear, above low water. On a bluff, one mile above, was an
Indian village called Weitchpeck, built on a high bluff, and used by the
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OE SAN FRANCISCO. 103
Indians as winter quarters. Here they had lived for some generations, and
the fiat stones placed across the oval entrance to their hovels were in some
cases worn half through by the crawling in and out of the inhabitants. The
Klamath River takes its rise from several lakes nestled in the Sierras,
some of which are of considerable dimensions, and surrounded by high
mountains. The sudden melting of tho snows and immense fall of warm
rains caused these lakes to overflow, and cut away a deep outlet, bringing
the water down the Klamath River in enormous quantities — so much so
that the Indian village of Weitchpeck was washed out of existence, and the
wire suspension bridge before referred to, a long time resisting the water
and the accumulated debris, in the shape of flumes, trees, wooden bridges,
etc., brought against it, finally gave way, and was submerged forty feet.
The total rise of water at this point was one hundred and thirty-eight
feet.
In 1861-2-3 and 4, Mr. Hallidie constructed the fine suspension bridge
over the American River at the town of Folsom, three hundred and thirty
feet span; one at Mormon Island; an acqueduct on the Trinity River 300
feet span; a fine bridge at Bear River, two hundred and forty-six feet span;
a long suspension bridge at the town of Nevada, three hundred and twenty
feet span, and was sent for by the government of British Columbia to con-
struct a bridge across Frazer River, fourteen miles above Yale — the
Alexandria Bridge — which he completed during that year. These bridges,
and others, remain a testimony to their value and superiority as bridges.
In 1867 Mr. Hallidie took out patents in the United States, Great Britain,
France, Austria, Italy, and other countries, for an improvement in suspen-
sion bridges, whereby he succeeds in making a suspension bridge as nearly
rigid as it is possible to make such a structure, and enables the bridge to
retain its rigidity under the variations of temperature. A model of this
bridge was exhibited at the Industrial Exhibition of 1869.
Wire Rope. — During the time Mr. Hallidie was engaged in mining on
the American River, he had undertaken the construction of a canal to carry
water from the river above to supply a large quartz mill with motive power;
the quartz from the mine was brought down the steep hill-side to the mill
for a distance of about eleven hundred feet by a tram road ; the loaded car
descending bringing up the empty one, by means of a large and expensive
Manilla rope — which was continually stretching and shrinking, and never
lasted over three months. The cost of the ropes used up during the year
was about $ 1,400.
Mr. Hallidie sent to San Francisco for material and, extemporizing ma-
chinery, manufactured on the American Bar the first wire rope on the
Pacific Coast, and which was twelve hundred feet long, two and a-half
inches in circumference. This rope was substituted for the Manilla rope
working on the hillside, and did its work constantly for twenty-seven
months — lasting as long as nine Manilla ropes. This rope worked under the
immediate supervision of Mr. Hallidie for the first three months, and
the fact of his familiarity with wire rope (wire rope being the invention of
his father) is undoubtedly due its marked success. Since that trial, Mr.
Hallidie has erected machinery from time to time of the most improved
style, and to-day has the most complete establishment in the United States,
and is enabled to turn out wire rope of immense size in any quantity.
104 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
But for the employment of wire rope, many of the mines of the present
day would be unable to hoist the ore from the gi*eat depths to which they
are sunk, many shafts being 1,600 feet deep.
The ropes are made both from iron and steel wire. The steel wire has
nearly double the strength of iron of the same size, and cost the same per
foot for the same strength.
The importance of wire rope to the mining interest of the Pacific Coast
cannot be over estimated. Without it, much of the work now being done
would be impracticable and the great economy of its use saves many
thousands of dollars. To the mining interests the convenience of a
manufactory of this kind in San Francisco is great and often much felt.
Mr. Hallidie found much difficulty in introducing wire rope, and it was
only after six or seven years of perseverance and pertinacious efforts that
mine owners began to appreciate its advantages. But, as the tendency is
for extremes, many who thought well of wire rope believed that it could
stand anything in the shape oi hard usage. This is a great mistake. Wire
rope must be taken care of just as much any as other kind of rope. The
pulleys and drums should be of proper dimensions, which is one hundred
times the size of the rope; the groove of the sheaves and pulleys should
fit the rope and the rope should lead fair on to the pulleys and drums.
It is well for parties about to construct hoisting works to consult Mr.
Hallidie in relation thereto, if they intend to use wire rope.
A valuable table is here appended which gives the strength, sizes and
weigh .s of each kind of rope and chain :
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106 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
Thus, if you require to hoist 3,300 pounds (this includes the weight of ear,
rope and load), you would use a iy 2 inch circumference iron wire rope,
weighing 108 pounds per 100 feet in length, or a 2 inch circumference steel
wire rope, weighing 65 pounds per 100 feet, or a hemp rope, 6K inch circum-
ference, weighing 166 pounds per 100 feet in length, or a chain % in diam-
eter, weighing 400 pounds, the absolute strength of each of these ropes is
10 tons.
Besides wire rope for mining purposes, there is made at the manufactory,
wire rope for ship rigging, wire cord for hanging window sashes, dumb
waiters, etc., and fancy gold and silver cord for hanging pictures and
mirrors.
Transportation of material, by means of wire rope, over
mountains and difficult roads — such as conveying ores from the
mine to the mile. — The great expense and difficulty of getting the ore
from the mine to the mill in so many places on the coast, early attracted
Mr. Hallidie's attention, and caused him to experiment on various
methods, having in view the rapid and economical transportation under
conditions which would otherwise involve much expense and labor, and
in many cases, on account of the low grade of the ore, totally debar the
working of the mine, because of the great cost of transportation.
In 1863, in a pamphlet published by Mr. Hallidie, he described a mode
of conveying ore on a wire rope; but then he used two ropes — a stationery
rope on which pulleys or sheaves traveled, to which was attached the load,
actuated by a traveling rope running underneath the stationary rope. Since
that time, various improvements have been made in the methods of
conveying material by endless wire ropes.
In 1869, Mr. Hallidie applied for a patent for a grip pulley, which he
applied to the end of an endless wire rope, and which, by its peculiar con-
struction, grips the rope, not permitting it to slip in the groove of the
wheel, and thus sets the endless rope in motion.
Since that time, Mr. Hallidie has been granted seven different patents
for various improvements in endless ropeways, and has thus matured in
detail a complete system which is adapted to the wants of the country —
especially the mining interests thereof.
It would not be possible to fully describe the endless ropeway,
except in a general manner, and, for which, we make the following extract
from the Scientific Press.
"We illustrate to-day an invention, recently patented by Mr. A. S.
Hallidie, of this city, for the rapid and economical transportation of such
material as ores, lumber or goods, over a rough and otherwise inaccessible
country, as well as for the transmission of power from one point to
another. The invention is one of very considerable merit, and as it
concerns a matter of the greatest importance to miners and many others
on our coast, we describe it fully.
The invention consists in the use of endless iron or steel wire ropes,
supported on peculiar sheaves, placed on posts, actuated by the gravity of
the descending loads, or by an engine attached to a grip pulley, and
carrying burdens in the manner hereafter described. Similar inventions
have been made before, and the merit of this, therefore, depends on the
peculiar construction and adaptation to the wants of the localities.
By reference to the various diagrams appended, this system of Mr.
Hallidie's will be fully understood.
108
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
Fig. 1 shows a section of a rough mining region, with the undulations
and depressions incidental to such a country, over which it is desired to
transport ore from the mine to the mill, distant, say one mile or more. At
proper points, from 200 to 600 (usually 250) feet apart, are erected posts,
with guide-sheaves, on which the rope travels. For the sake of illustration,
ore boxes are shown in the cut, suspended by proper devices to the rope.
At each end of the rope-way, are placed horizontal grip-pulleys, devised by
Mr. Hallidie, 8 to 12 feet in diameter, around and in the groove of which
runs an endless wire rope of sufficient length to extend from one pulley to
the other and back, so that the full sacks, or cars, can be run down on one
side and back empty on the other.
fig. 2.
Fig. 2 shows the construction of the supporting posts. These are set
firmly in the ground, and have on top a cross-beam, on each extremity of
which are placed grooved sheaves, a, b, freely revolving on spindles
attached to the cross-arm, and so arranged, one over the other, that the
rope will run between them. The lower sheave, 6, supports the rope, and
the upper one, a, keeps it from jumping out of place. In order to give a
clear idea, a car, D, is shown on one side, and a sack, E, on the other.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 109
fig. 3. fig. 4.
Attached to the wire rope at equal distances apart, usually about every
50 feet, are peculiarly constructed carriers. Figs. 3 and 4 show these and
the manner of attaching them to the wire rope ; Fig. 3 giving a side view
and Fig. 4 an end view. Here, a and b are the sheaves, o the rope, and C,
the car. The carrier supports a frame d, which is hung on standards, c, in
such a manner that the carriers will always maintain a horizontal position,
whether going up hill or down. The standards, c, are attached to the
carrier, /, shown on a larger scale in Fig. 5. The end of the bar is swaged
fig. 5.
out into a band which encircles the wire rope and is riveted to the bar, so
as to hold the rope sufficiently to prevent slipping. The carrier, /, is about
one half the thickness of the rope, and as the center of gravity of the load
comes vertically below the wire rope, this carrier always stands out
horizontal, and thus allows the load to be carried past the sheaves and
pulleys without interference. One end of the car is an apron, e, which
enables the load to dump itself as it passes between guides at the point of
delivery.
Instead of such a car, sacks may be used if preferred. The simpler
arrangement for attaching the sacks, essentially the same as in the case of
the car, is shown at g, Fig. 2.
110
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
fig. 6.
..,..-;...-■. ...j.;..,, ...... s ...... -.
dPii£Hiv@tNppii£
^i
Fig. 6. shows the patent grip pulley employed at each end of the line,
and which is placed horizontally ; Fig. 7 is a section of the rim of the
pulley, showing the mode of construction. The rope is denoted by h; i, i
are clips working on a fulcrum, xx. The rope pressing on the clips at the
bottom, as it enters them, causes them to close over it, gripping it securely
and preventing its slipping. The part of the rim k, is cast separately, and
bolted to the main wheel, I, by the bolt, m, m. The rim of the wheel is
fig. 7.
cast with recesses to take the clips, fitting them and allowing them to
work freely ; while the clips cannot possibly be displaced, except by re-
moving the part, k, which is cast separate for this purpose.
From this it will be readily understood that the rope is grasped as soon
as the pressure begins to act on the clips, and is released as soon as the
pressure is removed ; the whole acting automatically and invariably. For
conveying power over long distances, this feature is of the greatest value.
Fia. 8.
A car is shown in Fig. 8, which may be found very useful in certain
cases, as it economizes in manual labor. A car is mounted on wheels so
that it can be run into the mine. It has a carrying frame above it, the
longitudinal beam of which is inclined so as to correspond with that of the
standards. Both are toothed, the former on its lower, the latter on its
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. Ill
upper side. Now if the car be run into position when the standards, which
are attached to the rope, come around, they will catch and carry off the
car without any manual labor. The teeth on the beams prevent any
slipping.
The general system and manner of working of the rope-way will now
be understood by a glance at Fig. 1. By it, material can be transported
from a higher to a lower, or from a lower to a higher point. In the last
case, power must be applied, which can be done directly from a stationary
engine at one end by means of the grip-pulley ; in the first case, often no
extra power will be needed, the gravity of the descending loads being suffi-
cient to keep the rope in motion.
In erecting this system, after the route has been decided on, posts are
placed on the prominent points, being of a sufficient height that the rope
may be clear from all obstructions on the ground, — as snow, rocks, cattle,
etc. At suitable distances between these (which serve to fix the principal
points of the line), say 300 feet apart, other posts are erected to support and
lead the traveling wire rope. The height and number of these are regula-
ted by the configuration of the line and the necessities for sustaining the
rope.
The posts being in position and the grip-pulleys being in working
order, the coil of wire rope is placed at the upper terminus of the line, and
one end is put in the grip-pulley and carried along from one post to
another, being placed between the sheaves on the posts. A brake attached
to the grip-pulley regulates the paying out of the rope. One coil being
exhausted, the end of the next one is joined to it by a long splice, and the
operation is continued until the rope has been carried down one side.
Another wire rope is then, in a similar manner, brought down the other
side, and the two ends are spliced, the wire rope being placed in the groove
of the upper pulley. By means of a powerful purchase at the lower end the
rope is stretched tight, spliced and put in the lower pulley.
At the lower end, provision is made by a suitable frame and apparatus,
for taking up the slack which occurs for some days after the rope is put
on, and then disappears. The carriers are then attached and the line is
ready for work.
Cost and Running Expenses. — The following is the estimate of the
cost per mile for a line in working order :
LIGHT LINE. HEAVY LINE.
2 in. Steel Rope. 2% in. Steel Rope.
2 Miles of Steel Wire Rope $ 2 ,534 $4,000
2 Grip-Pulleys and Frame l,3°0 l»500
17 Posts, with Sheaves complete and erected 1,020 2,500
211 Carriers (plain hooks) 844 1,688
Erecting and Splicing Wire Rope * 300 500
Total cost per mile , $5,998 to $10, 188
The life of a steel wire rope may be placed at four years; of end-
apparatus, four years; of posts, seven years; of the running gear, two
years.
112 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
The running expenses per year, may be estimated as follows :
I Brakeman at $100 per month $1,200 oo
I Supply man at $65 per month 780 00
1 Delivery man at $65 per month 780 00
I Line man at $75 per month 900 OO
$3,66o.OO
Oil and Grease $180 00
Tar mixture for rope 240 00
Wear and tear of rope 635 00
Wear and tear of other parts 900 00
Interest on cost, 10 per cent., say 600 00
Incidentals 800 00
$3,355-00
Total per annum $7,015.00
Average per day (300 working days) 23.38
Average per ton per mile (100 tons per day of 10 hours) 23c
The running expenses depend on the wear and tear of rope and appar-
atus, and in the fact whether extra power is required, or whether the line
will work by gravitation. Assuming the line to be two miles long, that is,
the distance between the mine and the mill, — 10,560 feet ; speed of rope 3
miles= 15,840 feet per hour; distance between carriers, 50 feet; load of each
carrier, 100 lbs., (this may be 150 lbs); — then the result is, 15,840-f-50 x 100
=31,680 lbs. ore delivered per hour=16 tons nearly.
Application — Advantages. — The foregoing system is applicable for
the following purposes:
For conveying ores from the mines to the mill.
For conveying light loads of any material from place to place.
For transporting lumber across difficult points, and to shipping in an
offing.
For conveying passengers across gorges, chasms, and over hazardous
roads.
For supplying water to reservoirs across chasms, etc.
The advantages claimed are:
No grading or road-building is required.
It can work under all circumstances of weather, with great depths of
snow on the ground, during heavy storms and freshets.
It can run constantly without rest; as well during a dark night as a
clear day.
It can cross deep gorges and chasms.
It can pass around precipitous bluffs and perpendicular cliffs.
The rope can never leave the posts or sheaves.
It can furnish and transmit power, when there is sufficient descent,
by its own gravitation, or by an engine attached to either end.
It can be constructed and worked cheaper than any other system or
road can be constructed and worked.
By using the duplex carrier it can convey any material, such as lumber,
goods, ores and even passengers, from place to place.
By addressing Mr. A. S. Hallidie, 519 Front street, San Francisco, full
information can be obtained in relation to endless rope transportation, wire
ropes and transmission of power by ropes.
courtin'. 113
THE COURTIN'
BY J. R. LOWELL.
God makes sech nights, all white an' still
Fur'z yoa can look or listen,
Moonshine an' snow on field an' hill,
All silence an' all glisten.
Zekel crep' up quite unbeknown
An' peeked in thru' the winder,
An' there sot Huldy all alone,
'Ith no one nigh to hender.
A fireplace filled the room's one side
With half a cord o' wood in, —
There war n't no stoves (tell comfort died)
To bake ye to a puddin'.
The wa'nut logs shot sparkles out
Towards the pootiest, bless her,
An' leetle flames danced all about
The chiny on the dresser.
Agin the chimbley crook-necks hung,
An' in among 'em rusted
The ole queen's-arm thet gran'ther Young
Fetched back from Concord busted.
The very room, coz she was in,
Seemed warm from floor to ceilin';
' An' she looked full ez rosy agin,
Ez the apples she was peelin'.
'T was kin' o' kingdom-come to look
On such a blessed creetur,
A dogrose blushin' to a brook
Ain't modester nor sweeter.
He was six foot o' man, A 1,
Clean grit an' human natur';
None could n't quicker pitch a ton
Nor dror a furrer straighter.
He 'd sparked it with full twenty gals,
He 'd squired 'em, danced 'em, druv 'em,
Fust this one, an' then thet, by spells, —
All is, he could n't love 'em.
But long o' her his veins 'ould run
All crinkly like curled maple,
The side she breshed felt full o' sun,
Ez a south slope in Ap'il.
114 courtin'.
She thought no v'ice hed sech a swing
Ez hisn in the choir ;
My! when he made Ole Hunderd ring,
She knowed the Lord was nigher.
An' she 'd blush scarlit, right in prayer,
When her new meetin' bunnet
Felt somehow thru' its crown a pair
O' blue eyes sot upon it.
Thet night, I tell ye, she looked some!
She seemed to 've gut a new soul*
For she felt sartin-sure he 'd come,
Down to her very shoe-sole.
She heered a foot, an' knowed it tu,
A raspin' on the scraper, —
All-ways to once her feelin's flew
.Like sparks in burnt-up paper.
He kin' o' l'itered on the mat,
Some doubtfle o' the sekle,
His heart kep' goin' pity-pat,
But hern went pity Zekle.
An' yit she gin her cheer a jerk
Ez though she wished him furder,
An' on her apples kep' to work,
. Parin' away like murder.
" You want to see my Pa, I s'pose ?"
" Wal .... no .... I come designin' — "
" To see my Ma ? She's sprinklin' clo'es
Agin to-morrer's i'nin'."
To say why gals acts so or so,
Or don't 'ould be presumin' ;
Mebby to mean yes an' say no
Comes nateral to women.
He stood a spell on one foot fust,
Then stood a spell on t' other,
An' on which one he felt the wust
He could n't ha' told ye nuther.
Says he, "I'd better call agin;"
Says she, "Think likely, Mister;"
Thet last word pricked him like a pin,
An' .... Wal, he up an' kist her.
When Ma bimeby upon 'em slips,
Huldy sot pale ez ashes,
All kin' o' smily roun' the lips
An' teary roun' the lashes.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 115
For she was jes' the quiet kind
Whose naturs never vary,
Like streams that keep a summer mind
Snow hid in Jenooray.
The blood clost roun' her heart felt glued
Too tight for all expressing
Tell mother see how metters stood,
And gin 'em both her blessin'.
Then her red come back like the tide
Down to the Bay o' Fundy,
An' all I know is, they was cried
In meetin' come nex' Sunday.
TOOL MANUFACTURERS.
California Tool Works, J- Weichart, Proprietor, 143 Beale street,
between Mission ana\ Howard. — Scattered through San Francisco are
numerous unpretending establishments for the manufacture of various
specialties, which are but little known and seldom visited, except by those
having business with them. Yet, when the casual visitor in search of
instruction or amusement does chance to stray into one of them he often
finds matter of more interest in them than in larger and more imposing
establishments. We were led to these reflections from having made a
visit to the California Tool Works, the other day, where we found more
curious and interesting things under process of construction than at any
place we have visited for a long time.
n | There were no superintendents, secretaries or foremen scattered about,
but each one, from the proprietor down, were at work. It may be asked
what kind of tools does Mr. W. manufacture ? The reply is all or any
kind that may be ordered. A considerable portion of his business consists
in the manufacture of reaper and mower sections, and reaper and mower
knives complete, both with knife and sickle edges. Another branch is the
manufacture of those curious, irregular formed dies used by boot and shoe
manufacturers for cutting out their work. They are of every conceivable
shape, and have to be made with the utmost accuracy, demanding great
skill and care in their construction. All varieties of brands also are made,
Mr. Weichart's skill and long experience enabling him to make them of
superior form and at much lower prices than an ordinary blacksmith.
Any tool wanted for a special purpose, Mr. W. undertakes to make and
warrant; he also retempers tools that are too soft or hard; also grinds and
polishes by steam power.
A sparrow in the hand is worth an eagle on the wing.
Deal gently with those who stray.
Never go half way to meet misfortune.
Who brews a quarrel soon may bruise his head.
Make a virtue of necessity.
116
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
SEWING MACHINES.
The Wheeler & Wilson, W. B. Stoddart, Agent, 427 Montgomery
street. — The time has arrived when Wheeler & Wilson have got their
machine to perfection and no mistake. This each and every woman in the
land will admit, when they see their new style Adjustable Draw Feed
Machine. Every little difficulty is entirely overcome; drawing the work
while sewing, they only require one hand and one foot to do every kind of
work perfectly. Purchasers are cautioned to beware of imposters. If you
want a family sewing machine get a Wheeler & Wilson — but to make
sure that it is a Wheeler & Wilson — examine the cloth plate. The
stamp upon it should read Wheeler <fe Wilson Mf'g Co., A. B. Wilson, Pat.
Mr. Stoddart also sells the best Silent Adjustable Tuck Marker and
Binder, at reduced rates; also Silk and Cotton Thread, wholesale and
retail.
\
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 117
CARPETS.
Mitchell & Bell, 314 and 316 Pine street, betiveen Montgomery and
Sansome. — It was a member of this house who once asked why a wicked
man was like a hungry colt. Somebody replied that it was because he
was hastening to his dam. Now, that may be profane — to be emphatic — and
not too nice; it may be " dam " bad, but, whether that is so or not, one
thing is very sure, and that is if you buy carpets of these fellows, you are
bound to get a square bargain and delivered just when they say they will.
They were ten years with that old pioneer and exempt fireman,
William M. Hixon, on Clay street, just above Montgomery, and when he
relinquished business in 1869, Mitchell <fe Bell succeeded him. They
commenced by thoroughly systematizing their business — whether it is one
room in your house or a large hotel, their- order books, duly numbered
and paged for reference, contain every measurement, or an outline diagram
if the 'room is irregular, and opposite to each is the pattern number
of the carpet laid on it, and a memorandum of the breadths and their
respect! v6 lengths, so that each customer can know how much carpet he
gets. Their salesmen, workmen and sewing women who are paid good
wages, are thoroughly disciplined, each one knowing their place and their
duties. Every morning the proprietors know where each atom of material
was used the day before, and also how and where each workman used his
time. They thus know that neither their patrons or themselves are
imposed upon. Their salesmen and all assistants are required to treat every-
one courteously, and as if they were gentlemen or ladies. The first and
most impressive lesson they receive is, that Mitchell <fc Bell's store is for
the exhibition and sale of carpets, oil cloths, matting, rugs, mats, feather
dusters, lace curtains, reps, damasks, etc., that a carpet always costs con-
siderable money, and that customers have a right to see the assortment,
and that if there is nothing handsome enough to suit them in the store, it
is the fault of the proprietors and not the buyer.
The old store on Clay street soon became too small for their rapidly
increasing business. In June, 1871, they removed to spacious sales-
rooms on Pine street, between Montgomery and Sansome, surrounded by
the leading furniture and crockery houses of the city, and adjacent to all
the principal hotels, where they are enabled to do greater justice to their
customers and their goods, and having perfected arrangements with both
English and American manufacturers, they will be supplied with
all the new goods as fast as introduced, and laid down here at as low
a cost as any other importer in town. They will also have in addition to
their own private patterns of carpets — that is those made exclusively for
them — those of the other importers here, as well as those of Stewart,
Sloane and all the leading importers on the Atlantic slope, thus enabling
them to offer as large an assortment of as handsome patterns as can be
secured by one house.
Hotel proprietors and housekeepers will not miss it by calling
on Mitchell & Bell, 314 and 316 Pine street. They will be certain of a
courteous greeting and polite treatment — perhaps receive valuable sugges-
tions in fitting up rooms with carpets and upholstery, and be sure of seeing
all grades of goods, from the cheapest hemp to the finest velvet carpet.
118 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
WITH THE PRINTERS.
THREE COLORS AT ONE IMPRESSION.
The new establishment of H. S. Crocker & Co., heretofore carrying on the
stationery and printing business in Sacramento, have. concluded to enlarge
their field of operations, and to this end, have opened in San Francisco,
corner of Sansome and Sacramento streets, as fine an establishment as any
of the kind on the coast. John D. Yost, than whom a more genial, agree-
able and polite gentleman cannot be found in the business circles of San
Francisco, the junior member of the firm, having charge of the San Fran-
cisco house.
On the first floor is the stationery department, full and complete in
every particular, writing papers of the best quality and finish, blank books
from Shaw's manufactory, which have no superiors; playing cards, pencils,
and in fact, all the staple and fancy articles to be found in any first-class
house. The firm are agents for many of the leading manufacturers, and
therefore are enabled to give customers the benefit of very low figures on
all their purchases.
On the second floor is the printing department. And here the interest
of the visitor chiefly centers. Everything connected therewith is new.
Economy of space has been secured by the careful management of the
general superintendents, and a complicated job can be set up by the printer
in a space not exceeding ten feet square. We did not notice how many
different styles of type were on hand, but experienced job printers declare
that it is the most complete office in San Francisco. Our attention was
specially called by Mr. Yost to the chromatic and coupon ticket numbering
and printing presses. The firm have duplicates of these in Sacramento,
and they are the only ones in California. The chromatic press is a beauty.
Small, compact, perfect in its operations and simple in principle, it prints
in three colors at one impression, just as readily as an ordinary press prints
in one. The impression can be thrown off at pleasure, and is easily adjust-
ed. Within one minute the press may be changed from three or two colors
to one. It is solid and firm and of great strength, and runs by steam.
Mr. Yost exhibited specimens of the work executed on the press in three
colors at one impression, which elicited the unqualified approval of the
experts. The railroad ticket and coupon press is another specimen of
mechanical skill. Where there are twenty or more coupons on each ticket,
and each coupon has a number, and each ticket a different number, some
idea may be had of the difficulty of such printing. But placed upon the
press, it starts at number one, and if allowed to keep running, would in
course of time print as many different numbers as there are dollars repre-
sented in the national debt, and it never makes any mistakes. In addition
to these presses, there are four others for ordinary job printing, and three
large cylinder presses for newspaper and book work. The lithographing
department is under the special direction of a veteran artist. Among the
specimens of his handiwork exhibited, were some very unique and exqui-
site, colored fruit labels, some tasty mining certificates and elegant drug-
gists' labels. We question if any other San Francisco lithographing
establishment can show a finer display. The entire establishment is
LOVE SONG. 119
divided up into three separate departments — the stationery department, the
printing department the lithographing department. The firm enjoy all the
facilities which capital and a large experience can command. They can
print anything, from a lady's tiny visiting card to a mammoth poster ;
billheads, cards, circulars — in one color, in two colors or in three — to suit
the tastes of their customers. They will sell any kind of paper, from the
note on which love letters are written, to the largest sized blanket news-
paper sheet. The firm starts in with a determination to compete successfully
with old San Francisco firms, and as there is a fair field and a "free fight,"
they are likely to come out at the top of the heap. All the latest improve-
ments in the Art Preservative will be adopted by Crocker <fc Co., and so old
stand-byes must look to their laurels. Their location in Sacramento is
42 and 44 J street, where they are pursuing an extensive business.
LOVE SONG.
BY ALEXANDER SMITH.
My heart is beating with all things that are,
My blood is wild unrest;
With what a passion pants yon eager star
Upon the water's breast !
Clasped in the air's soft arms the world doth sleep,
Asleep its moving seas, its humming lands ;
With what an hungry lip the ocean deep
Lapeth forever the white-breasted sands ?
What love is in the moon's eternal eyes,
Leaning unto the earth from out the midnight skies ?
Thy large dark eyes are wide upon my brow,
Filled with as tender light
As yon low moon doth fill the heavens now,
This mellow autumn night !
On the late flowers I linger at thy feet,
I tremble when I touch thy garment's rim,
I clasp thy waist, I feel thy bosom's beat —
O kiss me into faintness sweet and dim !
Thou leanest to me as a swelling peach,
Full-juiced and mellow, leaneth to the taker's reach.
Thy hair is loosened by that kiss thou gave,
It floods my shoulders o'er;
Another yet ! O, as a weary wave
Subsides upon the shore,
My hungry being, with its hopes, its fears,
My heart like moon-charmed waters, all unrest,
Yet strong as is despair, as weak as tears,
Doth faint upon thy breast !
I feel thy clasping arms, my cheek is wet
With thy rich tears. One kiss ! Sweet, sweet, another yet !
120
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
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It's name I'll tell, tho' you know well that I must, mean the HOWE.
'Twill hem and fell, 'twill braid and quilt, and tuck, and cord, and bind;
And sew through thick and thin as well, — exactly to your mind.
HOWE smooth and still the wheel goes round, HOWE firm and strong the -seam;
HOWE rapid too the work comes through; 'tis like some fairy dream.
Choktjs. — So you see that all agree, etc.
There's one thing more that I suppose you all would like to know,
And that is, whether I haye got, like other girls, a beau;
Of course I have, but do you think I will tell his name ?
O, no, although this nice machine last New Year from him came.
Chobus— So you see that all agree, etc.
STARTLING ACCIDENT AT FANNY FERN'S. 121
STARTLING ACCIDENT AT FANNY FERN'S.
(( iJ'anny's" house-servants are negro girls, and the special duty of one
'Jl ' of them is to carry a cup of strong coffee and a biscuit early in the
"M morning to her mistress, who for several hours, until the writing
is finished for the day, takes no other refreshment. One certain morning,
" Rose " did not appear with the desired coffee, and the bell was appealed
to, which, after several impatient jerks, was answered, not by " Rose," but
by " Violet." » Where's Rose?" inquires " Fanny." u Busy in de kitchen,
Missus," is the answer. " But it is your business to attend to the kitchen
work, and I wish ' Rose' to attend to me." With a sniff of outraged pro-
priety and insulting modesty, " Violet" states that " Rose is 'tic'larly
'gaged, jis dis time in de kitchen, and she can't spare herself from her 'gage-
ment long 'nuff to bring up any coffee." No questioning could elicit from
the fair maid "Violet" any further information respecting the " 'ticlar
'gagement" of her sister; but she flung out of the room with the remark
that, "If Missus come down to de kitchen, you'll see somfin' dat'll make
you open dem eyes of you'n at last; tink dey must hab been shut up tight
fo' de las' fo' five months." Even had not the natural curiosity of her sex
stimulated her to further inquiry, her obvious duty as mistress of the house
sent Fanny post-haste down stairs to discover the wondrous mystery
attached to her coal-black Rose."
The kitchen achieved, it took but a single glance for an experienced
wife and mother to account for the strange communications and actions of
her highly-perfumed " Violet."
At five o'clock that morning, "Fanny " had two colored ladies in her
kitchen; at seven she had three. The third one, was however, an unex-
pected new comer, and of an age so tender that she could hardly be
expected to be of much service in a domestic capacity for some little
time yet. There was no mistake. "Rose's" "'ticlar 'gagement" was
with a new-born ink-black baby, of the lady species, whom she had
succeeded in introducing to the world in general, and "Fanny Fern"
in particular, without the intervening assistance of doctor, nurse or
friends. Even her fellow servant, "Violet," had positively refused to
render her the slightest assistance, alleging, with a defiant snort
of outraged virtue, that she " wouldn't have noffin' to do wid such
trash." It was positively true — the poor girl, finding herself unex-
pectedly ill, had actually suppressed every cry and groan, and made her
little contribution to the census alone and unaided, rather than "gib any
trouble to Missus Parton." James, the biographer of the anti-slavery editor,
was summoned, and, pausing only long enough to exclaim, in his usual
cool and collected way, " Why, Fanny ! Fanny! Fanny! Who — what — why
— how — what is it all about ? Is this sort of thing customary. Are there
any more Roses to bloom ?" Then, as Fanny jammed his hat on his
head hind side before, and shoved him forth, he only muttered,
"Amazing! 'Can such things be, and overcome us like a jet black
cloud, without our special wonder ?' " and made a frantic rush for the
nearest doctor. The medical man having attended to the wants of his
122 STARTLING ACCIDENT AT FANNY FERN'S.
patients, and Jim, Fanny and the rest of the household, having recovered
from their spasms of laughter at the drollery of the whole affair, the
explanation of the colored brother — no, mother — was at last listened to.
"Indeed, Mis' Parton," cried the poor thing, fearful lest she had given
mortal offense by her unexpected performance, " 'deed, Mis' Parton,
didn't go for to do it; 'pon my soul, Mis' Parton, never done it befo', never
do so no mo'," Then with many tears and solicitations of pardon for
giving "trouble to Mis' Parton," she told the facts. It was the old story;
a hasty marriage, a wretched husband, who had deserted her after spending
every dollar of her little savings bank account, and left her to go back to
her dishpans. She had made arrangements to ask for a few weeks leave of
absence, but was overtaken by her fate before she thought. With the
genuine charity and kindness of heart that have ever characterized both
Mr. and Mrs. Parton, they soothed the poor girl, and took care of her
until she was able to be removed in a carriage to her friends. Then, at the
request of Rose, " the young bud " was then transferred to the Foundling
Hospital, to which establishment the eminent author and authoress both
accompanied the little waif, and personally gave it, explaining the circum-
stances, into the loving care of "Sister Irene."
SCALES.
Fairbanks & Hutchinson, 126 California street. — The name of
Fairbanks & Hutchinson is too familiar to everyone for us to say more
than if you want the best scales go to 126 California street.
We are bound to be honest but not to be rich.
Good deeds are productive of good friends.
While there is life there is hope.
All things are good with the good.
The glory of an age is often hid from itself.
A soft ansWer turneth away wrath; but grevious words stir up anger.
When friends meet, hearts warm.
Every art is best taught by example.
Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
When the cup is full, carry it even.
Those who have few faults, are least anxious to discover those of others.
Memory is not wisdom ; idiots can rote volumes.
A kind word is more valuable to the lost than a mine of gold.
Deal gently with those who stray.
WATER CLOSETS.
Wm. Smith, 521 Jackson street. — The peculiar shape both for economy
of space and utility are the advantages claimed for the castings; but the
great feature of Mr. Smith's patent is in the valve, which the Spring
Valley Water Company recommend above all others.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 123
BOOKBINDERIES.
D. Hicks & Co., Bookbinders and Blank Book Manufacturers, 543
Clay street, commenced business in 1865, by purchasing the business of
George T. Emerson, who had been established since 1856. The location of
Mr. Emerson's bindery was in the upper story of the building; known as
the Miners' Restaurant. In a few months, the new firm removed to their
present location, occupying a small room in the third floor; as their busi-
ness increased they added more room and machinery, and now occupy the
entire second and third floors, and have all the latest improved machinery
for their business. The firm now employs over twenty hands, and have
facilities for doing large editions of books which are not possessed by any
other house. Their work may be seen and examined over the entire state,
as this firm bound the Pacific Coast Directory 1871-3, of which the large
number of five thousand one hundred copies were printed. They and
their predecessor, George T. Emerson, have manufactured all the books,
blanks, etc., used by Wells, Fargo & Co., in this city, and in their three
hundred and fifty agencies on this coast, for the past fifteen years. In
1869, this firm established a branch house at 59 J street, Sacramento, for
the purpose of binding the statutes and other works of the state; of which
a larger amount was done in 1870-1 than ever before. In 1869 the Mechanics'
Institute awarded D. Hicks <fc Co., a silver medal, being the highest
premium for Bookbinding; being the only time this firm ever exhibited
their work at the exhibitions of the Institute. Messrs. Hicks & Co., make
a specialty of binding all those elegant subscription works, for which
Henry Keller <fc Co., are the agents, and for a description of which see
under heading of subscription books.
The ruling of blanks, account books, etc., is conducted under the
personal supervision of Mr. Hicks, who for many years past has been
acknowledged as occupying the foremost rank in this as a speciality, for
years ago, while working at his trade in the employ of others, the
premium, in the earlier Fairs of the Mechanics' Institute, was awarded to
another bindery for the best binding, gilding, etc., yet the committee
awarded a special premium to his employers for the best ruling, which
was executed by Mr. Hicks.
Mr. Keller, the other member of the firm, is also a thoroughly practical
bookbinder of many year's experience, and superintends the binding
department to which he is peculiarly adapted.
This firm has working under its employment in their various -capacities,
about twenty-five hands, and many of them of large experience.
.We are instructed by the proprietors to extend an invitation to those
interested to visit their bindery, and our assurance for it the time will bo
well repaid, for in passing through their establishment, you will see all
varieties of their business in operation: ruling, stamping, gilding,
marbling, pressing, folding, cutting, stitching, glueing, assorting, orna-
menting, &c, <fec.
Their varieties in binding consists of from the simplest pamphlet to the
most elegant and gorgeous display in gilt or gold; and in ornamental
binding, we have never seen (we unhesitatingly say it,) anything superior
to it done in any part of the world.
124 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
IRON AND METAL IMPORTERS.
Glasgow Iron and Metal Importing Company, 22 Fremont street.— The
industries of California are of such a character that more iron is probably
consumed, in proportion to her population, than in any other community,
not a manufacturing one, in the world. Her mines demand an immense
amount of iron machinery, such as steam engines, quartz crushers,
drilling machinery and the like. Great quantities of iron are also
consumed for railroads in the tunnels and for carrying ores short distances,
while the use of water in a certain class of mines creates a demand for an
almost unlimited quantity of iron pipe. »
The |act that iron- is almost as iSheap here as in New York, while hard
wood costs two or three times as much, has induced many of our manu-
facturers ' of wagons and agricultural implements, to substitute it very
largely for the latter article in their manufactures.
These facts have led to the establishment in San Francisco of immense
houses, backed by great weal Lb., devoted to the iron and metal trade.
Prominent among these stands the Glasgow Iron and Metal Importing
Company, who commenced business about six years ago in an unpretending
way in an inferior building opposite their present establishment, under the
management of Mr. William McCrindle, to whose energy, urbanity and
business ability, coupled with advantageous connections in Europe, may
be attributed the success of the house.
In May, 1871, the company completed the commodious warehouse
which they now occupy, and which is undoubtedly the best arranged and
most extensive of any on the coast devoted to a similar business. It was
designed and constructed especially for the purpose of an iron house by
experienced persons, and therefore possesses unsurpassed facilities for the
storing, inspection and delivery of stock.
Three stories are occupied, the goods being easily transferred from one
to the other by means of a well constructed hoist.
Their stock is very extensive indeed, and they are constantly receiving
large additions to it. At the present time (April, 1872), there are eight or
nine vessels on their way from Europe, each with large consignments to
this house.
They keep constantly on hand bar and bundle iron, sheet and plate
iron, rivets, carriage bolts, axles, carriage springs, boiler flues, gas
and water pipes and fittings, spring, toe, plow, tire and cast steel, pig
iron, anvils, rasps, files and vices, horse-shoe iron and nails, best
Cumberland eoal, etc., etc.
They propose to furnish blacksmiths with everything pertaining to their
business at rates which superior facilities for purchasing and handling
enables them to make very favorable to the purchaser. •
Persons who take an interest in such establishments from any cause
whatever, can spend an hour or so with much pleasure and profit in a
stroll through this establishment, and can be assured of meeting with the
utmost courtesy from all connected with the house, whether they visit it
in the capacity of purchaser or simply out of curiosity.
WOMEN IN TAHITI. 125
WOMEN IN TAHITI— A CHEERFUL PICTURE.
ri n entertaining book of travels has been published by Bentley, in
il London, under the title of " South Sea Bubbles, by the Earl and the
(? V Doctor." It describes the scenery and the customs of Polynesia in a
delightful fashion, and " nature and human nature " thus equally aroused
the writer's enthusiasm :
I can never forget the scene that burst upon my astonished and
half-opened eyes as I turned out of bed one morning and found myself
entering the port of Papiete. Great mountains of every shade of blue, pink,
gray and purple, torn and broken into every conceivable fantastic shape,
with deep, dark, mysterious gorges, showing almost black by contrast with
the surrounding brightness; precipitous peaks and pinnacles rising one
above the other like giant sentinels, until they are lost in the heavy masses
of cloud they had impaled; while below, stretching from the base of the
mountains to the shore, a forest of tropical trees, with the huts and houses
of the town peeping out between them. * * * And the natives! how
well they watch the scene: The women, with their voluptuous figures,
their unique, free, graceful walk, their nightgowns (for their dress is
nothing but a long chemise, white, pale green, red, or red and white,
according to the taste of the wearer, which is invariably good), floating
loosely about in a cool, refreshing manner; their luxurious black tresses
crowned with gracefully plaited Araroot chaplet, and further ornamented
by a great flowing bunch of white " Re va-Reva," their delicious perfume
of cocoanut oil (it is worth going to Tahiti for the smell alone); and, above
all, their smiling, handsome faces, and singing, bubbling voices, full of
soft cadences — all this set off by the broken, scattered rays of green light
shining through the shady avenues. .
The most bashful and coy never will pass you without a greeting, a
glance of the eyes, and a slight gathering in of her dress with her elbows,
to exhibit her buxom figure to full perfection. Or else, perhaps, she will
come up coquettishly, and ask you for the loan of your cigar, take a few
puffs at it, and hand it back again gracefully to the rather astonished
owner; and then, with a parting compliment, which you most likely don't
understand, let you go your way in peace — or not! The proper way to
walk with your lady-love in Tahiti is as follows : You must put your
arm around her neck; and she hers around your waist, and hangs on your
breast in a limply affectionate manner. It is as much selon les ragles as
walking arm-in-arm, and much prettier to look at.
Boast not thyself of to-morrow, for thou knowest not what a day may
bring forth.
Hints, shrewdly strewn, mightily disturb the spirit.
Open enmity is better than angry friendship.
Good counsel is above all price.
An ounce of practice is worth a ton of theory.
Error is a hardy plant; it flourisheth in every soil.
Love is a sweet idolatry, enslaving all the soul.
126 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
SOAP MANUFACTURE.
Standard Soap Company, 204, 206 and 208 Sacramento street.— There
probably never was a time "since the world began," when the " arts and
sciences " have reached such an advanced position as at the present. Music,
poetry, sculpture, architecture, each have innumerable votaries, and their
refining and elevating influences, are not only becoming very generally
diffused among the enlightened nations of the earth, but are making rapid
strides among the more benighted portions of the habitable globe. Inven-
tions that annihilate time and distance, and that render labor almost a
synonym for recreation, are multiplying with unparalleled rapidity.
Indeed the progress of the present age is so amazing as to bewilder the
mind that attempts to contemplate it ; while all this and far more is true we
are likely from the very magnitude of the theme and the multiplicity of
the agents that have contributed to this wonderful progress, to overlook
some of the instrumentalities, whose effects have not been so apparent to the
superficial observer, but are nevertheless as real and important. Among
these silent, unobtrusive but potent auxiliaries, in the diffusion of a high
type of civilization, we may justly reckon soap.
Soap, what visions of purity, sweetness and cleanliness, does the very
name produce ? how vice, impurity, and contagion with all their attendant
train of horrors hide their deformed heads, and seek safety in an ignomin-
ious flight from the presence of their self-constituted destroyer, Soap. It
has long since passed into an axiom, that .the refinement, intelligence and
to a large extent the moral tone of communities and nations may be safely
determined by the amount and quality of soap they use. If the above be
true, as who can doubt, what a debt of gratitude the world owes to such
public benefactors as the Standard Soap Company, who by the great variety,
and immense quantity of soap they manufacture, are contributing so largely
to the welfare and happiness of the people.
From a very insignificant beginning about eight years since, this estab-
lishment has grown to mammoth dimensions, now occupying the large and
commodious brick structure, 204, 206 and 208 Sacramento street, having a
frontage of sixty feet and extending through a depth of one hundred and
twenty feet, to 207, 209 and 211 Commercial street. In addition to this, they
have recently purchased the extensive establishment known as the Port-
mann Soap Works, which has largely increased their capacity, and they are
now prepared to furnish any and all kinds of soap to an extent only limit-
ted by the demand for their goods, which is large and rapidly increasing.
Time and space will not permit us to give a detailed description of all the
goods made at this establishment.
Their list of toilet soaps comprises about fifty varieties, from the most
common kinds, to those of the finest texture and most exquisite perfume.
The costly perfumes and fine machinery used in the elaborate processes
of manufacturing toilet soaps, are imported from Paris.
It is a well-known fact that the French excel in this direction, and the
enterprise of the Standard Soap Company is seen in the fact that they spare
neither trouble nor expense in profiting by the latest inventions of modern
science. Their list of family and laundry soaps is also very complete,
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 127
embracing about thirty varieties of almost every conceivable style and
quality. We must not omit to mention the celebrated preparation called
Standard Washing Powder, which is widely known and has given univer-
sal satisfaction; the unparalleled success which has attended its manufacture
and sale, has stimulated the production of various imitations which are
seeking (without success), to insinuate themselves into public favor upon
the reputation of the original and only genuine washing powder, which
always has the Standard Soap Company's brand upon boxes and packages.
It only remains for the public by their generous patronage, to show
their appreciation of the earnest efforts made to serve them by the Stan-
dard Soap Company.
MILITARY, NAVAL, MASONIC AND ODD FELLOWS' REGALIA, ETC.
Norcross & Co., 4 Post street, Masonic Temple. — This house was
established in 1849, on Sacramento street, near Montgomery, engaging
exclusively at first in Masonic and Odd Fellows regalia, importing it
from the East, but gradually extending their business as their trade
increased, and in 1852 commencing themselves the manufacture of many
varieties of goods — at one time manufacturing largely ladies' dress
trimmings, and being the only manufacturers of the kind on the Pacific
Coast.
Their salesroom is No. 4 Post street, occupying the basement for their
factory, where they are manufacturing to order all kinds of military and
naval goods, Masonic and Odd Fellows' regalia — in short they supply all
the secret orders with regalias, books, jewels, swords, flags, banners, cos-
tumes, ballot boxes, seals and all articles needed for societies' purposes.
In passing through their factory we found all variety of work progress-
ing, requiring much more machinery than the reader would suppose. We
found beautiful specimens in progress, but one banner that had just been
completed for an Odd Fellows' Order, on one of the adjacent islands of the
Pacific, is deserving of especial mention, for it is as finely executed a piece
of workmanship as we ever saw anywhere. While Mr. Norcross was one
of our men of '49 who came to an almost unknown land in search of fortune
and fame, and while great credit is due him for building up the leading
business in this line on the Pacific Coast, we would do great injustice
should we fail to mention in this connection, that much of the taste dis-
played, and of the beauty and ornamentation of the goods manufactured at
this house is to be attributed to the "the lady" of the establishment,
Mrs. Norcross, so long and favorably known in our community as a
woman of great executive ability, business tact and taste. Mrs. Norcross
was — in the true sense of the word — one of the few lady pioneers who also
braved the trials and hardships of a California life, when it was a luxury
to see a woman on the streets of San Francisco, doffing the convention-
alities of her earlier life, joining her " other half" in business pursuits,
aiding in a great measure towards building up this great and prosperous
business of Norcross & Co.
Who brews a quarrel soon may bruise his head.
128 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
GAS AND WATER PIPE.
Pacific Iron Works, First street, between Mission and Howard. —
Gradually are new enterprises being developed on this coast — one by-
one new industries are inaugurated — slowly but surely new and permanent
sources of wealth are being opened up. We were led to these reflections
by witnessing the other day the successful result of a new process which
has recently been introduced on this coast, for the casting of water and gas
pipes. This process, which is the invention of, and has been patented by
John Farrar, of Boston, Mass., consists in the substitution for the ordinary
clay moulds, of a sectional 3-part, cast-iron flask, attached together with
hinges, and secured by strong wrought-iron clamps. The inside of the
flask (which constitutes the mould), is lined up with a preparation of fire
clay and plumbago, secured in place by flanges, and which effectually
resists the action of heat, over 600 having been cast from one flask without
relining. The flasks when ready for use, are suspended on trunnions,
one end projecting over a pit. The process of casting consists of putting
in place a core, clamping the flasks and hoisting it up on end; the molten
iron is then poured in at the top, filling the space between the core and
flask, and thus forming the pipe. As soon as the metal has " set," the flask
is brought down to a horizontal position, opened and the pipe taken out.
The lining of the flask is then washed with a preparation of black lead, laid
on with brushes, when the proaess of casting is immediately repeated.
An average of about five pipes an hour is thus made from each flask
while the heat lasts — which usually continues from two to three hours.
On the occasion referred to three flasks were alternately used, by a gang of
eighteen men, who turned out a pipe about every five minutes.
The advantages of this process are : The flask makes a permanent
mould, admitting of the casting of an indefinite number of pipes without
renewal; uniformity in thickness, secured by equal pressure upon the core-
barrel, a close texture of metal and absence of sand holes. Messrs. Rankin
& JBrayton, the proprietors of these works, have now eight flasks in position,
from which they are casting from 600 to 1,000 feet per day of 3, 4, 5, 6 and
8 inch pipe.
The usual process of making pipe in the East is that of the ordinary
sand mould, which requires an iron flask for each pipe, necessitating a
large outlay for the equipment of a foundry of any capacity. The extra-
ordinary advantages of this process are apparent, when it is seen that no
moulding is required, and one flask is made to do the work of 12 or 15 on
the old plan. This invention is justly regarded by iron men as the most
important improvement ever introduced into this branch of the foundry
business. The gentlemen above named, have secured the exclusive use of
the process for this coast, and the very remarkable facilities it affords will
enable them to compete successfully with either Eastern or European
manufactures, thus adding another most important and useful industry to
our list of local manufactures. Some idea of the saving which this inven-
tion will secure to this S-ate may be formed from the fact, that something
like 60 miles of pipes are now on the way from the East to this city; but
that in view of the improved facilities hereby offered, no eastern firm can
hereafter afford to enter into competition with the work here.
SONG OF STEAM. 129
SONG OF STEAM.
BY JACOB PBICE.
Clang ! cling ! clang ! cling !
Forges glow and anvils ring;
Pond'rous wheels with thund'rous sound
And fearful speed, swing madly round,
And crash and roar and hiss and scream
Swell my wild song — the song of steam.
My fierce, hot breath puts forth its strength
In grimy, iron lungs ; at length
The clanking engine moves with life ;
Long shafts respond. The busy strife
Shakes the vast factory; wall and beam
Throb with my might — the might of steam.
My arm impels the roaring blast
Into the glowing furnace ; fast
The molten iron, sparkling white
With heat, leaps forth like liquid light
Into the smoking sand; fit birth
For forms of beauty, strength and worth.
How swift yon crowded steamer glides
Mid thronging ships. Her quivering sides
Spurn the dark wave. In seeming wrath
She tramples white a snowy path
Of undulating foam ; 'tis steam
Thrills her with life from keel to beam.
By me long snake-like trains are hurled
From State to State across the world
With speed of light. See how they glide
Along the mountains' dizzy side
And through green valleys ; prairies vast
Scarce greet the gaze ere they fly past.
Behold, then, puny man, thy slave !
I work thy will ; yet must I have
An iron armor staunch and strong
And without blemish, lest my song
Shall change to crashing thunder, when
I seek my freedom once again.
GAS FIXTURES, PIPES, ETC.
Thomas Day, 732 Montgomery street and 335 Pine street. — The name of
Thomas Day has so long been associated with gas fixtures in this city that
it is useless for any extended remarks from us. The house is one of our
oldest and most substantial ones, and is doing an extensive jobbing
business.
9
130 A LECTURE ON RATTLESNAKES.
A LECTURE ON RATTLESNAKES.
«wo miles out on our road back, we found Straddlebug sitting like a
statue, gazing at something in the road just ahead of him. " Come
here, General Bradley," he called, " I want to introduce you to one of
the inhabitants of this delightful country," at the same time pointing to a
monster rattlesnake coiled in the trail. "I have been plaguing him,"
continued old Straddle, " and he is a game fellow. See," he added, holding
out his sabre toward the reptile. Quickly the snake raised his chest and
sprang his full length, falling within two feet of the legs of old Straddle's
horse. "Look out there, or he'll bite you," cried General Bradley.
" Not a bit of it," replied Straddle. " The fact is, General, I have been
studying this specimen of the natural productions of this country for more
than an hour; and I have found out, first, that he will not bite unless
coiled; second, that he can only jump the length of himself when coiled."
He then made the snake coil up again and strike two or three times. " He
ain't much of a traveler, either," said old Straddle, whipping the reptile
when stretched out and making it run as fast as it could. " He coils tail
first," continued the experimenter, making him coil, "and like an honest
fellow, gives fair warning before he strikes, which is more than some of
our own kind do, General; besides I don't believe he'd strike in the dark
at all. You will readily observe," continued old Straddle, growing
facetious, "the difference between the nature of the snake and the dog; a
dog shakes his tail to show you he is pleased; the snake shakes his tail to
show you he is mad. Look at that eye, sir, I have looked a mutineer in
the eye and disarmed him; but I would not like to look at that fellow
steadily in the face for the space of five seconds." The snake was coiled,
his body resting on his tail, and his head raised to the height of a foot, and
his neck proudly curved. His eyes shone like two little diamonds, and
his yellow skin glistened in the sun. The spots on his back seemed ever
changing from dark brown to a bright red copper color. " Come," said old
Straddle, " I'll bet there's not a man in the crowd can shoot him in the
head." (It is said to be almost impossible to shoot the head off a rattle-
snake. The hunters declare that their sensitiveness is so great that they
can feel the wind of a coming bullet, and dodge it. Be this as it may, I
have seen men who could hit a bull's eye or drive a nail at one hundred
yards that could not shoot a snake in the head.) Several revolvers were
leveled and discharged at him, but the snake remained unharmed. A
soldier then dismounted, and taking a carbine, at the fourth shot nearly
severed the body of the reptile. " Foul!" cried out Straddle; " you hit him
in the body; but take off the rattles the game is yours." The man did as
he was bid, and there were eleven rattles and a button.
NATIVE WINES.
Henry Gerke, 418 and 420 Market street, corner of Sutter. — The Gerke
Wine is the production of his own vineyard, in Tehama County, and
though of recent introduction, is fast becoming a popular beverage, and
a favorite for its medicinal qualities.
PEOMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 131
LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES.
Knickerbocker Life Insurance Company, Daniel Norcross, General
Agent, Office, 331 Montgomery street. — The history of Life Insurance in the
United States presents no example of consistent and unvarying progress so
remarkable as that afforded by the Knickerbocker of New York (organized
in 1853,) from the very outset of its career. No company has contributed
so largely to liberal modifications of old time methods, nor effected so
much for what may be called the utilization of the science to the practical
advantage of its beneficiaries.
When the country was unhappily divided by civil war, and many
southern policy holders by stress of circumstances became unable to meet
their premiums, thereby forfeiting all legal claim upon the company, it
was the Knickerbocker which disdained to take advantage of their adver-
sity, magnanimously invited the renewal of their lapsed policies on
reasonable conditions, and made glad in many cases the hearts of widows
and orphans by the payment of losses for which, by the letter of the bond,
it could not have been held liable. By this memorable action the Knicker-
bocker leaped at once into immense popularity, and entered upon the
second decade of 4 its growth under auspices of unexampled promise. The
fruits of its past experience, and sturdy discipline and liberal forethought
were now to be realized.
It is to this company that the people and the profession are originally
indebted for the modification of various oppressive conditions then in vogue,
and which are still retained in the policies of many companies. It was the
first in the country to exercise a just liberality to its patrons in respect of
residence and occupation, and it is the first to adopt the system of Savings
Bank Life Insurance — a plan which must commend itself to insurers
above all others. These saving bank policies can be converted into cash at
any time after meeting surrender charges, which grow lighter every year
from the start. Consequently, after a few annual payments, the policy has
a definite, easily determined cash value, patent on its face, so that whatever
has been paid upon it, beyond the cost of carrying the risk, is not locked
up, but is available as security for a loan. It, therefore, has as good a
standing in the money market as the company's check, payable at the end
of a year or less, while at the same time the premiums are much
smaller than under the old system. The demand for Life Insurance grows
out of the necessity which every honorable man feels to provide against his
family becoming a burden to others, and, to this end, the Savings Bank Life
Insurance stands out in bold relief as the magic wand which creates the
competence and blunts the thorns which grow under the pillow of anxiety.
This form of Life Insurance combines all the benefits of the Savings Bank
with those of the Life Insurance Company, avoiding the well-known
defects of the latter, so as to give the greatest possible facility for what old
Homer proclaims the highest duty of man, the preservation of the family he
founds, and which Paul affirms, when he says to Timothy: "If any
provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath
denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."
The success and prosperity of the Knickerbocker Life Insurance Com-
132 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
pany, and the lenient course pursued toward the policy holders, places it
in the very first rank of insurance corporations, and attests the skill, energy
and integrity by which it has uniformly been guided.
To the people of this city and State, however, the crowning feature of
success to the company is the appointment of that old well-known citizen
and 'pioneer, Colonel Daniel Norcross, as General Agent for the Pacific
Coast, under whose zeal and strict business integrity, there can be no such
thing as fail; we congratulate the company upon the choice they have
made, and attest the wisdom of the appointment.
SPRING MANUFACTURERS.
Wm. M. Betts & Bro., 218 Fremont street. — Do all of our wagon and
carriage makers know that all the various kinds of springs used in the
different vehicles can be obtained in San Francisco direct from the
manufactory ? We feel sure that all of them do not, although this firm
has been before the public for some time, and has made some splendid
displays both at our Mechanics' and State Fairs, at the former of which
they received a gold medal. Messrs. Betts & Bro., have made a success of
the prosecution of this industry on this coast and are to-day turning out
a better made, better finished and better tempered spring than the imported
article.
They commenced not only with a thoroughly practical knowledge of the
business, but also with a full understanding of the fact that to succeed they
must make a first-class article, and they have done it. Their business has
increased until they were compelled to erect the large and commodious
factory which they now occupy. They employ at present about fifteen
hands and their establishment is a model of neatness, cleanliness and
good order, unequaled in this respect by any manufacturing establishment
that we can call to mind in the city. Messrs. Betts & Bro., have a large
number of machines driven by steam in constant operation, such as
punches, shears, rolls, swaging machines, grindstones and emery wheels,
and are prepared to manufacture any kind of springs required from the
lightest buggy, up to the heaviest railroad car and locomotive springs.
DIAMOND POINTED DRILL.
A. J. Severance & Co., 315 California street. — The Diamond Pointed
Drill is a new and valuable machine for mining on a large scale, or boring
deep wells through rock, being run by steam, and bores readily in any
direction. A large number are in use and give entire satisfaction.
Some men are like cats, you may stroke the fur the right way for years,
and hear nothing but purring; but accidentally tread on their tail, and all
memory of former kindness is obliterated.
Motto for an egotist — Mind your eyes !
A man is not so soon healed as hurt.
No man liveth to himself.
Evil to him who evil thinks.
ONE FOREST FIRE. 133
ONE FOREST FIRE.
BY ETHEL LYNN.
It's easy to read it. It's jest a few words,
Jest a name amongst others — " Burned out
By the fire in the forest" — not much, but you see,
When you read, " Simon Podder," that's me.
And it wa'n't no great shakes of a shanty, I know,
But I tell you I hated to see the thing go ;
Fur one kind o' clings to a ruff he has raised,
And a cabin built out of the trees he has blazed.
But the old house is nothin'. I soon let it go,
'Tan't that that upsets me and worrits me so;
But it's 'bout little Bennie. You heerd of it ? Aye.
I can't take it patient to onct, though I try.
Me and Mary had watched ev'ry evenin' by turn,
Lookin' out fur the wind, and the chance of a burn,
Till the smoke settled down to the ground ev'rywhar,
We could'nt see sunset, nor make out a star.
Little Bennie had gathered a heap on the floor,
His new Sunday jacket he never had wore,
His best bow and arrows, his little old spade;
They was all in a bundle so keerfully laid.
An' Mary had tied up her notions with care ;
There was picturs an' Bibles, an' dead folks' hair,
Huddled in with the spoons Mary's grandmother give,
When we bid her good-bye, and come out here to live.
By'm bye, on the edge of the clearin' in sight,
The smoke it got redder, some sparks seemed to light ;
Then the wind fanned it up, with a roar like the sea,
Until Mary and Bennie looked fearful at me.
" We must fight it ! " I took off the coat that I wore.
Mary picked up her blanket. We turned from the door,
Leavin' Benny a waitin'. We told him he must,
Till we beat out the fire. Well, he whimpered at fust;
But when I looked back he was wipin' his eyes
On his old jacket sleeve. Then he looked at the skies,
An' I guessed he was sayin' his Sunday-school prayer,
As he used to o' nights kneelin' down by a chair.
Well, we slapped an' we fought at the fire with a will,
But the sneakin' red flames in the grass wasn't still,
An' kept creepin' along like a snake. By and by
Mary dropped her burnt shawl with a terrible cry :
134 HOW MONKEYS ARE CAPTURED.
Fur there, right between the old shanty and me,
There watt winrows of blazes, so we could'nt see
Cabin, chimbley, or haystack, or little brown door —
An' we never did see 'em, to speak of, no more!
You've laid little children, may be, in the dust,
And you thought then the Master had treated you wust ;
Jiut you haven't had trouble like Mary an' me —
i haven't got always a pictur to see,
Of a poor little shaver with tears in his eyes,
Lookin' up kind o' scart to the fire-reddened skies.
That is trouble, I take it, fur Mary an' me,
Wors trouble than ever you're likely to see.
Married men, like candles, often go out at night, and leave their wives
in the dark as to their whereabouts.
When a man dies, the first thing wo talk about is his wealth, the second
his failings, and the last his virtues.
The country for angry people — Ire-land.
,\'o man can live longer at peace than his neighbor pleases.
Me that blows in the dust will fill liiH eyes.
Long standing and Little offering makes a poor priest.
HOW MONKEYS A UK CAPTURED.
Monkeys are pretty <ouimon, yet as all tho families are remarkably
CtlSlllng, has it ever occurred to the reader how they are taken ? Pitfalls
will tal<e a lion, and the furnished monarch will, after a lew days starvation,
dftft info a cage Containing food Bnd thus bo secured. But how are
monkeys caught? Tho ape family resembling man. Their vices are
human. They love liquor, and fall. In I >arfour and Senaar tho natives
make fermented beer, of which the monkeys are passionately fond. Aware
<»l Mum, the natives go to the parti of the forest frequented by tho monkeys,
and let OD the ground these calabashes full Of the enticing li<|iior. As soon
US the monkey ICei and tastes it, he utters loud erics of joy, that soon
Attract fail comrades. Then an orgio begins, and then in a short tinio they
show all degffeei of intoxication. Then the negroes appear. The few who
came too late to get fuddled escape. The drinkers are too far gono to
distrust them, but apparently fake fhein for larger species Of their own
genlUS. The negroes fake some up, and these begin to weep and cover
them with maudlin kisses. When a negro pikes one by the hand to lead
him off, the Deareit monkey will cling to the one who thus finds a support
and endeavor to go also. Another will grasp at aim, and so on, until the
negro leads a staggering line of ten or a dozen tipsy monkeys, when
Anally brought to the village, they urn securely caged and gradually
Sobered down; but for tWO Or three days a gradually diminishing Supply
of liquor is gives them, so as t" reconcile thorn by degrees i'> their state of
ciipfivify.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 135
SEWING MACHINES.
The Wilcox & Gibbs Family Favorite— *Shtosroow and Agency at
113 AmI Street. — The following list of "points" in favor of the Wilcox «fe
Gibbs Sewing Machine are difficult to gainsay, and challenge the earnest
attention of all who contemplate purchasing.
1. It is the simplest.
2. It is the least liable to get out of order.
3. It is the best made machine; every part being an exact duplicate.
4. It is the cheapest.
5. It runs the stillest.
6. It runs the easiest.
7. It runs the fastest.
8. It lias the best device to prevent the wheel running backwards.
9. It requires less mechanical skill to operate it.
10. It requires less time and Instruction to learn to use it.
11. It is the most eertain and reliable in operation.
12. Its needle is the shortest.
13. The needle is Straight, and less liable to be broken than one
curiwl.
14. Its needle is In-cclcd, and therefore stronger than one with a small
shank.
15. The needle is secured in its place by a patented device, which
renders it s<l/-uiljustiii<j, so that neither skill nor experience is necessary
in setting it. It is not so with any Other machine.
L6. It uses but One spool ami thus avoids the necessity for complicated
machinery — which is required tor two spools.
17. It sews direetly from the spool; which makes it unnecessary to
re-wind the thread, and adjust it in a shuttle.
is. it makes the WHeox dt <;it>i>s, or tvisted-toep stitch: a stitch original
with this machine, and made by no other, -anti which, for general
purposes, is superior to any other machine.
19. Its seam has the peculiar advantage of being taken out when it is
desired; while it is less liable to rip, in use or wear, than the shuttle or
lock-stitch.
20. Thcstiteh is more clastic and stronger than the shuttle OT lock-st iU h
21. The seam is the most even and beautiful.
-J. The seam is always seff-fOStenedi and thus the necessity for a
"reversible feed," or for any other complicated de\ ice to fasten it, is
avoided.
20. Its tension is more simple, and more easily adjusted.
21. It will do a greater variety of work than any other can do in equal
perfect ion.
85, U is more easily and speedily changed from one kind of work
another.
Jti. More work can be done with it in a given time.
27. It docs beautiful embroidery, whioh the loek-stieh cannot do.
2S. It has a shield to the wheel which no other has.
29, The needle being carried in a perpendicular bar, it has impor...
advantages over machines with curved needles.
136 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
HOTELS.
Cosmopolitan. — Corner Sansome and Bush streets, H. H.' Pearson, Pro-
prietor. — In the year 1849 a couple of young men, just arrived from the
East, arose late one Sunday morning, and concluded to make an excursion
into the country. In pursuance of this object they walked in a southerly
direction from the city for some distance among the sand-hills, and reach-
ing the top of an elevation beheld an old man busily engaged in the ravine
or hollow below them, erecting a frame building. Prompted by curiosity,
they enquired of him what so large a building in that out-of-the-way place
was intended for.
" A hotel," he replied.
The young men could scarcely conceal their smiles at what seemed to
them such a visionary project, and returning to the city, reported that a
crazy man was erecting a hotel away out in the sand-hills, about five miles
from town. That hotel was the "Bassette House," located at the corner
of Bush and Sansome streets.
The site was occupied afterwards by the Metropolitan Hotel, which, in
its turn, gave way in 1863 to the magnificent structure now known as the
Cosmopolitan. This immense caravansary occupies a space equal to about
28,000 square feet, fronting 206 feet on Bush street and 137 on Sansome,
and, counting the basement, is six stories in hight, and so thoroughly is it
constructed that the heaviest earthquakes have left it unharmed thus far.
The exterior appearance of this noble building, on account of its
immense size and hight, and its numerous bay windows, heavy cornices
and projecting entrance, is very imposing indeed. It has recently received
a coat of white paint that makes it stand out very conspicuously, sur-
rounded as it is, with the dingy brown buildings so much in fashion in our
city. $
It was first kept by Seymour & Hanna, then by the Beis Bros., and
after them Messrs. Tubbs & Patten, who occupied it till August 6th, 1871,
when they surrendered it to Mr. Pearson, the present proprietor.
In 1867, during the proprietorship of Messrs. Tubbs & Patten, the upper
story was seriously damaged by fire. It was soon repaired, however, and
additions were made, making the building once and a half its former size.
Entering the building the visitor is surprised to find so much of that por-
tion which is on a level with the street devoted to hotel purposes. There
is a commodious office, a spacious and well lighted reading-room, a bar-
room and a magnificent billiard room, containing ten fine tables — all on
the ground floor.
In the office is a telegraph apparatus connecting with the telegraphic
system of the world, and visitors will always find a polite and accommo-
dating operator present, ready to respond to their wishes.
The reading-room is kept in apple-pie order, and is fully supplied with
Eastern and California papers, periodicals, etc.
The bar, one of the finest and best kept in the city, is amply supplied
Prominent business houses of san francisco. 137
with the choicest wines and liquors. On account of the growth of temper-
ance principles in this State, a large force is constantly present in this room
seemingly determined that liquors shall be put down somehow or other.
In the basement of the building is an extensive first-class steam
laundry, and ample tonsorial and bathing accommodations.
- Just in the rear of the office may be found one of Miller's Patent Safety
Mevators, which carries you smoothly and comfortably to any story in the
building without the necessity of personal exertion. Those, however, who
are fond of exerdse can make use of some of the numerous stairways,
leading to the upper portions of the house. The main flight leading to the
second floor is a very fine specimen of the stair builders' art, being broad
and easy with rich and heavy railings, the newel post at the bottom being
surmounted with a finely carved statue of a grizzly bear, who with threat-
ening aspect challenges the attention of all who pass that way.
On the second floor may be found the public parlor and a reception par-
lor, both splendidly furnished. On this floor, also, in the central portion
of the house, may be found the dining-room, certainly as fine an apartment
as can be found anywhere devoted to a similar purpose. Its sides are
adorned with numerous pilasters supporting a rich and heavy cornice,
while the ceiling is deeply paneled in a most tasteful and artistic manner.
Alternating with the pilasters spoken of are immense mirrors on all sides,
their effect being to make the dining-room appear as if it was acres in ex-
tent. "When brilliantly lighted in the evening, and filled with ladies and
gentlemen, the effect is very beautiful indeed.
The house contains three hundred rooms, including one hundred suites
of rooms. A large proportion of the latter comprise parlor, bed-room,
bath-room and water-closet. The house has been thoroughly renovated
throughout since Mr. Pearson took possession, and is furnished in a style
scarcely equaled by any hotel on the Pacific coast.
This immense establishment gives employment to about one hundred
persons, and has been overflowing with guests ever since it came into pos-
session of its present proprietor. This result is undoubtedly due to several
causes, one of which is the personal popularity of Mr. Pearson. While he
was one of the proprietors of the Russ House he made a host of friends all
over the Coast, very many of whom followed him to his new quarters.
He is a gentleman of singularly quiet manners, saying but little, and
has the happy faculty (specially valuable to a landlord), of making every
one of his guests his personal friends. The employees also (generally
speaking), are remarkable for their politeness, and evident desire to please.
This house is the resort especially of business men and families. This
is attributable to the air of homelike comfort and quiet that pervades the
place, coupled with the fact that while the accommodations furnished are
equal to any in the world, yet the prices charged are not quite so great,
ranging from two to three dollars per day.
138 A MODEL LOVE LETTER.
A MODEL LOVE LETTER— RAPTURES OF CUPID.
(t l\\ Y DEAB 5IISS m ' — 55 ver y time I think of you ray heart flops up and
J 1 down like a churn-dasher. Sensati ons of unutterable j oy caper over
Cr^*- it like young goats on a stable roof, and thrill through it like
Spanish needles through a pair of tow linen trowsers. As a gosling swim-
meth with delight in a mud-puddle, so swim I in a sea of glory. Visions
of ecstatic rapture, thicker than the hairs of a blacking brush and brighter
than the hues of a humming bird's pinions, visit me in my slumbers; and,
borne on their invisible wings, your image stands before me, and I reach
out to grasp it, like a pointer snapping at a blue-bottle fly. When I first
beheld your angelic perfections I was bewildered, and my brain whirled
around like a bumble bee under a glass tumbler. My eyes stood open like
cellar doors in a country town, and I lifted up my ears to catch the silvery
accents of your voice. My tongue refused to wag, and in silent adoration I
drank in the sweet infection of love as a thirsty man swalloweth a tumbler
of hot whiskey punch.
" Since the light of your face fell upon my life, I sometime- reel as if I
could lift myself up by my boot-straps to the top of the .arch steeple,
and pull the bell-rope for singing school. Day and nig! you are in my
thoughts. When Aurora, blushing like a bride, rises from her saffron-
colored couch ; when the jay-bird pipes his tuneful lay in the apple-tree
by the spring-house; when the chanticleer's shrill clarion heralds the
coming morn; when the awakening pig arises from his bed and grunted,
and goeth for his morning refreshments; when the drowsy beetle wheels
to droning flight at sultry noontide; and when the lowing herds come
home at milking time, I think of thee; and, like a piece of gum-elastic,
my heart seems stretched clear across my bosom. Your hair is like the
mane of my sorrel horse powdered with gold; and the brass pins skewered
through your waterfall fill me with unbounded awe. Your forehead is
smoother than the elbow of an old coat. Your eyes are glorious to behold.
In their liquid depths I see legions of little Cupids bathing, like a cohert of
ants in an old army cracker. When their fire hit me upon my manly
breast it penetrated my whole anatomy as a load of bird-shot goes through
a rotten apple. Your nose is from a chunk of Parian marble, and your
mouth is puckered with sweetness. Nectar lingers on your lips, like
honey on a bear's paw; and myriads of unfledged kisses are there, ready
to fly out and light somewhere, like blue-birds out of their parent nest.
Your laugh rings in my ears like the wind-harp's strain, or the bleat of a
stray lamb on a bleak hillside. The dimples on your cheeks are like
bowers in beds of roses, or hollows in cakes of home-made sugar.
« I am dying to fly to thy presence, and pour out the burning eloquence
of my love as thrifty house-wives pour out hot cofiee. Away from you I
am as melancholy as a sick rat. Sometimes I can hear the June bugs of
despondency buzzing in my ears, and I feel the cold lizards of despair
crawling down my back. Uncouth fears, like a thousand minnows, nibble
at my spirits, and my soul is pierced with doubts like an old cheese is
bored with skippers.
" My love for you is stronger than the smell of Coffey's patent butter or
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 139
the kick of a young cow, and more unselfish than a kitten's first caterwaul.
As a song-bird hankers for the light of the day, the cautious mouse for the
fresh bacon in the trap, as a mean pup hankers for new milk, so I long for
thee.
" You are fairer than a speckled pullet, than a Yankee doughnut fried
in sorghum molasses, brighter than a top-knot plumage on the head of a
Muscovy duck. You are candy, kisses, raisins, pound-cake and sweetened
toddy altogether.
" If these few remarks will enable you to see the inside of my soul, and
me to win your affections, I shall be as happy as a wood-peeker on a
cherry-tree, or a stage-horse in a green pasture. If you cannot reciprocate
my thrilling passions, I will pine away like a poisoned bedbug, and fall
away from a flourishing vine of life, an untimely branch; and in the
coming years, when the shadows grow from the hills, and the philosoph-
ical frog sings his cheerful evening hymns, you, happy in another's love,
can come and drop a tear and catch a cold upon the last resting place o
yours, affectionately, " H."
Longest at the fire soonest finds cold.
No man can make his own hap.
One man's meat is another man's poison.
Every bird must hatch its own egg.
Pride and grace never dwelt in one place.
Rule youth well, age will rule itself.
He never had a bad day who had a good night.
MACHINE WORKS.
Deacon & Co., 120 Main street, between Mission and Howard. — The
works of these gentlemen are not one of those immense establishments
which we sometimes find engaged in a similar business, employing a score
of supernumaries and non-producers in the shape of trustees, superinten-
dents, secretaries, foremen, etc., but one of those neat little establishments
presided over and owned by men who are not only good business men but
also practical machinists, and who, with a limited number of splendid
tools, in tip top order, of the latest and most improved patterns, are
capable of doing more and better work and cheaper (giving as they do
their personal supervision to it), than a much more pretentious establish-
ment. If you want a job done that requires taste and judgment and skill
and care and brains don't take it to one of those immense establishments,
where the really capable men have so much to do that they cannot give it
the necessary personal supervision, but put it in the hands of Deacon &
Co., who will turn out your job right in all respects. We have frequently
had occasion to visit these works and always have found the work on hand
to be of that character that requires more than ordinary skill.
At the time of our last visit they were constructing a large stationary
steam engine designed to drive the machinery in a number of our printing
establishments. It was designed by Mr. Deacon, who is not only a
machinist but also a practical engineer.
140 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OP SAN FRANCISCO.
HAIR JEWELRY.
Mrs, C. Cook, 519 Montgomery street. — Hair jewelry is fast becoming a
popular method, whereby mementos of " lost dear ones " are preserved in
a neat, appropriate and lasting way, or distant friends and relatives are
entwined in our remembrance; most fittingly recalling past associations
and endearing reminiscences, while, at the same time, we are adorning
and ornamenting ourselves.
Mrs. Cook has made this a speciality, and really has been the great
mover in this business on our coast, and has, by her labor and skill, shown
in all our principal Fairs beautiful exhibitions of her handiwork, which
has attracted the notice and admiration of all. It is needless to add she
has always obtained the first premium. We remember to have seen at the
late Mechanics' Fair, a most beautiful specimen of ornamental hair-work, a
wreath of flowers of varied hues, and colors composed entirely of human
hair. All we can say is, go and see for yourselves, and you will find that
the half has not been told. Remember the number, 519 Montgomery
street.
SPANISH PROVERBS.
The sage ere he in debt would rise,
A supper to himself denies.
What you have time to do to-day,
Until to-morrow ne'er delay.
The looking-glass will tell to thee,
What friends deny, although they see.
Jewels have value, but the price,
Can ne'er be found of good advice.
HARDWARE.
Chas. Otto & Co., 312 Bush street. — This firm established business in
1854, on Montgomery street, where the Occidental Hotel now stands, the
style of the firm being A. Phillippi & Co. In 1858 it was changed to
Marwedel & Otto, who continued in a prosperous business till January,
1860, when they were burned by an incendiary, the fire being set twice
during the same night. In this conflagration Mr. Otto lost his all, having
no insurance, but through his energy, and the confidence reposed in him
by the business community, he was enabled to rebuild, and in about
thirty days was in successful operation again; but before the year had
expired they were Yisited by another fire, this time, however, by the
blessing of insurance, he was protected against loss. In 1863, they
removed on Bush street, nearly opposite his present location, to which he
removed 1867 — Mr. Marwedel withdrawing from the firm, which was then
changed to its present style, Chas. Otto & Co. His stock consists of a full
and complete variety of everything in the hardware business, and makes
specialities of machine screws and taps, moulders' tools, bell hangers'
materials, etc., etc.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
141
BRASS WORKS.
Weed & Kingwell, California Brass Works, 125 First street. — This
establishment was first started by John C. Ayers, in 1851, and passed into
the hands of its present proprietors in 1861, since which time the business
has steadily increased, and now gives steady employment to some thirty to
thirty-five employees. The proprietors, who are themselves practical
mechanics, oversee every part of the establishment, and pride themselves
upon turning out work which will favorably compete with the Eastern
goods, both in quality and price. The manufacture of Brass Goods is fast
becoming an important feature in the industry of California, and it is to be
hoped that the importation of all species of brass work in a near future
will be supplied from our own make, thus building up and sustaining in
our own midst, not only those who have dared to build factories and erect
expensive machinery to compete with importation, but also sustain a large
population, whom such manufactories are necessitated to employ. The
varieties of work turned out by this firm consist of all kinds of brass ship
work, spikes, sheathing nails, rudder-braces, hinges, church and steamboat
bells and gongs; also all kinds of steam, liquor, water, oil, and flange cocks
and valves, all styles. They also furnish hydraulic pipes, nozzles,
hose couplings and connections of all sizes and patterns. Special
attention is given to casting into any desired shape or form brass
composition, zinc, babbitt metal, etc. In short, nearly every article in the
brass line is manufactured by them and shipped to all parts of the Pacific
Coast. They have also orders from the Sandwich Islands, China and
Japan. Agents for Siebert's Eureka Lubricators, a California invention,
which is rapidly superseding all other lubricators for steam cylinders.
142 AUNT TABITHA.
AUNT TABITHA.
BY O. W. HOLMES.
Whatever I do and whatever I say,
Aunt Tabitha tells me that isn't the way;
When she was a girl (forty summers ago)
Aunt Tabitha tells me they never did so.
Dear Aunt ! if I only would take her advice !
But I like my own way, and I find it so nice !
And besides, I forget half the things I am told;
But they all will come back to me — when I am old.
If a youth passes by, it may happen, no doubt,
He may chance to look in as I chance to look out;
She would never endure an impertinent stare —
It is horrid, she says, and I musn't sit there.
A walk in the moonlight has pleasures, I own,
But it isn't quite safe to be walking alone ;
So I take a lad's arm — just for safety, you know —
But Aunt Tabitha tells me they didn't do so.
How wicked we are, and how good they were then !
They kept at arm's length those detestable men;
What an era of virtue she lived in ! But stay —
Were the men all such rogues in Aunt Tabitha's day ?
If the men were so wicked, I'll ask my papa
How he dared to propose to my darlingjmamma;
Was he like the rest of them ? Goodness ! Who knows ?
And what shall I say if a wretch should propose ?
I am thinking if Aunt knew so little of sin,
What a wonder Aunt Tabitha's aunt must have been !
And her grand-aunt — it scares me — how shockingly sad
That we girls of to-day are so frightfully bad !
A martyr will save us, and nothing else can;
Let me perish — to rescue some wretched young man ?
Though when to the altar a victim I go,
Aunt Tabitha will tell me she never did so !
— Atlantic Monthly for March.
Sorrow and ill-weather come unsent for.
Saying is one thing, and doing another.
Work done in haste is never finished to perfection.
Man doubles his evils by brooding upon them.
Sorrow is soon enough when it comes.
Slander always leaves a slur.
Quick at meat, quick at work.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 143
MRS. HELPER'S PRESCRIPTION.
i ( T§i EI ' I '» we H> well, I must say that our Saturday evenings here at home
are very pleasant, Jennie," and the Rev. Mr. Goodwin sank enjoy -
ingly into a luxurious easy chair, which his admiring congregation
had recently presented him. "With my sermons prepared for the mor-
row," he continued, "and my weekly visits to our parishoners showing
that they are all comfortable and moderately happy, I must repeat that
our Saturday evenings are very pleasant, indeed; and, by the way," he
added, " I wish that you would manage to lay your sewing aside for an
hour or so, that you may enjoy a little laziness as well as myself."
"I can't," replied Mrs. Goodwin, an intellectual, though weary looking
lady, " until I finish this coat for Johnny to wear to church to-morrow."
" It seems to me those four boys keep your needle pretty busy," said
he.
» They do, indeed; but they are good boys, and are so kind and helpful,
that I cannot find it in my heart to complain."
"So they are, so they are," said the minister, looking kindly toward the
table, around which the four bright-faced, fair-haired lads were gathered.
The next evening after church, Mrs. Helper, one of Mr. Goodwin's
congregation, said to her husband: —
"John, did you notice that Mrs. Goodwin looked weary and sad at
church to-night ?"
"Well, yes; I must say that she looked rather faded, when compared
to that good-looking husband of hers," replied Mr. Helper.
"Well, I'm going there to-morrow."
" All right; go ahead. I've not the slightest objection."
"Yes, sir, I'm going; and I'm going to find out why she looks so
< faded' — as you call it."
" No objection to that either. How will you manage it ?"
" O, I'll manage it; trust me for that."
" O, yes, I forgot — you're a woman."
" Yes, sir, I'm a woman, and it's my opinion that another woman is
killing herself without knowing it, and I'm going to ascertain if such is
the case."
The next evening Mrs. Helper opened the subject with her husband
again.
"John," said she, "I want ten dollars."
" You do, eh. What for I'd like to know ?"
"Well, I've been to see Mrs. Goodwin."
" Indeed! Am I to give you ten dollars for that ?"
"Yes, sir, you are; this time."
" Well, if I must, I must, I suppose. But what in the world has your
visit to Mrs. Goodwin's to do with your wanting ten dollars ?"
" I'm going to buy her a sewing machine, that is all."
" With ten dollars ?"
" No; not with ten, but with five times ten."
" What kind of a sewing machine are you going to purchase ?"
" That's a curious question for you to ask, when you know that I
haven't an hour's trouble with my beautiful ' Wilson ' since I purchased it
144 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
a year ago. Haven't you seen me sew with it through lace and cloth,
and leather and sheet lead, even, without breaking anything or changing
the tension ? Why, I would'nt dare get any other for Mrs. Goodwin, be-
cause most of them run so heavy that they would make her health worse
instead of better — but the < "Wilson ' runs as light as a leather — and besides,
it makes the lock-stitch, which is so strong and elastic for plain sewing, and
so beautiful for embroidery. Has'nt my machine always run splendidly?"
" Well, yes, the thing does seem to jog along pretty smooth — but how
are you going to obtain the other forty dollars?"
"I'm going to make Mr. Thompson and Mr. Caldwell, and two or
three others who can well afford to do so, give me ten dollars apiece."
Being a live, energetic, eloquent little lady, and withal very pretty, she
accomplished her object in about three hours, much to her own gratifica-
tion, and to the astonishment of her own husband, no less than that of
Messrs. Thompson, Caldwell <fc Co., who could hardly realize their own
generosity.
" I suppose you are going to San Francisco now ?" said Mr. Helper,
when she had concluded the narrative of her success.
" What for ?" said she.
" To get the sewing machine, of course.'
" I don't see why I should go to that expense. Can't I send the money
to Messrs. G. A. Norton & Co., the agents, at No. 337 Kearny street, by
express ?"
" O, yes, you can send the money, I suppose, but will you get as good
a machine ?"
" Why, of course. They warrant them all for five years — don't I know
of a dozen ■« Wilson ' machines all just as good and as reliable as mine ?
Why, they are as alike as two peas. The agent himself can't tell the
machinery of one from another. It's just as well to send for it as to go
in person, and I am going to have it sent directly to Mrs. Goodwin, and
let her guess, if she can, where it came from."
Six months from that time Mr. Helper said to his wife: " Mary, do
you know that I think Mrs. Goodwin is a very handsome woman! She
seems to have regained her health entirely."
"Yes; she took my prescription."
"Yours! What was it pray?"
" O, a quantity of iron, wood and steel, scientifically compounded*"
" Iron, wood and Steel! How large was the dose?"
"It weighed about seventy-five pounds."
"O, yes," said Mr. H., a light breaking ' upon his 'vision, "your
prescription cost about fifty dollars, didn't it? Well, it was cheap at
that."
Too Candid.
" Patty," a lady called to a little girl who was in the parlor, '"-did you
tell your mother that I was here ?"
" Yes'am," answered Patty, demurely. *
" And what did she say !"
" She said : • Oh, that dreadful woman here again ?"
JOSH BILLINGS ON GONGS. 145
JOSH BILLINGS ON GONGS.
Josh billings relateth his first experience with the gong thusly : —
I never can erradicate holi from nii memory the sound ov the fust
gong I ever herd. I was settin on the front steps ov a tavern in the
sitty of Buffalo, pensively smokin. The sun was gOin to bed, and the
hevins for an hour was blushin at the performance. The Ery knal, with its
golden waters, was on its way to Albany, and I was perusin the line botes
a fiotin by, and thinkin ov Italy (where I usen to liv), and her gondolers
and gallus wimmin. My entire sole wuz, as it were, in a swet. I wanted
to klime, I felt grate, I actually grew.
There are things in this life tu big tu be trifled with; there are times
when a man breakes luce from hisself, when he sees sperrets, when he
can almost tuch the mune, and feel as tho he kud fill both hands with the
stars uv hevin, and almost sware he was a bank president. That's what
ailed me.
But the korse ov true luv never did run smoothe (this is Shakspeare's
opinion, too). Just as I was duin my best — dummer, dummer, spat bang,
beller, crash, roar, ram, dummer, dummer, whang, rip, rare, rally,
dummer, dummer, duin — with a tremenjus jump I struck the centre ov
the sidewalk, with another I cleared the gutter, and with another I stood
in the middle of the street snortin like an Indian pony at a band of music.
I gazed in wild despair at the tavern stand, mi hart swelling up as big
as a outdoor oven, my teeth was as luce as a string of bedes, I thot all the
crockery in the tavern had fell down, I thot of lenomenons, I thot of
Gabrel and his horn; I was jest on the pint ov thinken ov somethin else
when the landlord kum out on the frunt stupe ov the tavern, holdin by a
string the bottom ov a old brass kettle. He kawled me gently with his
hand. I went slola and slola up to him, he kammed my fears, he said it
was a gong, I saw the kussed thing, he said supper was ready, and axed
me ef I would have black or green tee, and I sed I wud.
You must ask your neighbor if you will live in peace.
Desert and reward seldom keep company.
Set a hard heart against a hard hap.
BOOKS AND STATIONERY.
H. H. Moore, 609 Montgomery street. — The stock of books of this,
house is composed of rare and valuable standard works, illustrated books
and a fine assortment of juvenile works, also a full supply of law blanks
and stationery.
» n
PRINTERS.
C. A. Murdock & Co., Steam Book and Job Printers, formerly M. D.
Carr,& Co., 532 Clay street. — Book and Job Printing in all its branches
and varieties, executed in the highest style of art. Their motto is, " Good
work at the lowest living rates.
10
146
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
SAWS AND SAW TEETH.
N. "W. Spaulding> , 17 and 19 Fremont street, near Market, Patentee
and Manufacturer of Spaulding's Detachable Tooth Circular Saws. —
The reputation already established for these saws throughout the
lumbering regions of the Western Hemisphere (and especially upon the
Pacific Coast, from Alaska to Mexico), would seem to render an advertise-
ment of them, at this time, superfluous and unnecessary. Yet, it so
happens that in this, our day and generation, and advanced age of science,
when each succeeding day adds improvement upon improvement, that a
good thing of to-day (no matter how superlative its merits may be), the
public mind is trained to expect a better thing to-rnorrow. Hence, what-
ever is presented to the public with a change of form from the original
invention, the public is too apt to hail as that identical improvement they
had anticipated.
Some of his old friends and patrons will, no doubt, feel the force of
this remark, and verify its truthfulness, from knowledge derived from
painful experience. Being victims of this popular error, they supposed
that this invention, so simple, yet so perfect, complete and eminently
satisfactory, an invention which had put thousands of dollars in their
pockets, should, like most other inventions of its time, give place to some-
thing better. Surely other inventions are improved upon. Wliy not this?
Forgetting that this principle of inserting teeth is at once the most natural,
the most simple, and, of course, the best — a fact so apparent to the mind of
any intelligent-mechanic, that it cannot be a matter of disputation — besides
the principle upon which the teeth in his saws are inserted, is indispensable to
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 147
detachable teeth of any form, and is exclusively his property, guaranteed ot
him by virtue of a patent, which patent has been sustained in the courts of
the United. States in every instance where suit has been brought for its
protection.
Mr. Spaulding was the first who made the use of detachable teeth in
saws a success — he succeeded through patient industry in calling from the
dark and hidden recesses of nature, this fortunate and valuable invention.
More than ten years have now passed since these sav/s were first introduced
in California, since which time they have been in constant increasing
demand; and to-day their busy hum may be heard from shore to shore
of our broad republic. If it were necessary to show the partiality of the
country toward the Spaulding Saw, pages might be written in proof;
prominent among the general proofs of superiority of them over all others,
stands the fact that the Government, usually tardy in recognizing
improvements of this character, have, without hesitation, selected them
for its own use, at the different military posts through the country. We
esteem it a pleasing duty to bestow merit where merit is due, and in no
case, that has come to our knowledge, can we more conscientiously bestow
it than upon Mr. Spaulding.
Being a practical mechanic, and several years engaged in constructing
saw mills and manufacturing lumber, his large experience naturally
taught him the great advantages to be derived from the use of detachable
teeth in saws. Formerly inserted teeth had been used in a few isolated
cases about the country, but their use had become almost obsolete, from the
fact that no means had at that time been devised by which the teeth could
be adjusted, and, at the same time, preserve the saw from destruction while
using them. By the invention of Mr. Spaulding, represented in the
above cut, the object, long and devoutly wished for, was attained. This
device was so complete and nicely adapted to the purpose for which it was
intended by the inventor, that all the attempts that have been made for the
last ten years by a score of pseudo-inventors to improve upon it, have
only added to its original popularity. Various have been the fantastic
shapes by which these would-be inventors have fashioned teeth in saws,
and by cunningly arranged arguments sought to inflict them upon the
public as improvements, but time has discovered what they are, and they
are rapidly taking their places among the things that were.
The Spaulding Saw is manufactured from Wm. Jessop & Sons' celebrated
cast steel, and are all warranted. No saw is allowed to leave the works
till carefully inspected by himself in person, or by a skilled mechanic
employed for the purpose. Owing to the constantly increasing demand for
these saws, we learn that Mr. Spaulding has greatly extended his facilities
for manufacturing by improved machinery, by more extensive works,
and the employment of a greater number of workmen. Hence, he can
afford to supply the market on more favorable terms than ever before.
Repairing and inserting teeth into old saws is done by this establish-
ment with neatness and dispatch, and upon the most favorable terms. As
most of the saw-mills through the country have been ordered through this
house, any information respecting them, as regards prices, improvements,
etc., will be cheerfully furnished.
148 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
SAWS.
mm
SAN F.RpCISC0
VANVLCCH
Pacific Saw Manufacturing Company, 17 and 19 JFVe-
moni street. — The first Saws manufactured in this city from
the sheet steel was exhibited by the parties comprising this
company, at the Mechanics' Institute Fair, held in this city in
1865. At that time all the work was done by hand, even the
polishing of a 12 foot Muley Saw, the steel plate of which
-.weighed before cutting 140 pounds; at the close of the Fair, this
saw was taken to the mill of Messrs. Macpherson <fe Wether-
ibee, at the Noyo river, and, after a trial, was pronounced by
them better than the imported Saws they had been using, since
then, they, as well as nearly all of the other % mill owners of
this coast, have continued to use the Saws made by this com-
pany. In 1866, this firm commenced operations on Pine
street, having steam power and machinery adapted for the
manufacture of Circular, Mill, Muley, Cross Cut and Butcher
Saws.
Their business increased steadily until their factory became
too small for the extra amount of business done, when they
were compelled to erect in July, 1868, the building which they
now occupy, at 17 and 19 Fremont street. The works cover an
area of 137 feet by 45 feet. The main building is three stories
high, which they have fitted up expressly for this business,
and contains the newest and most improved machinery for the
manufacture of Saws of every description, from the largest
Circular, Mill or Muley Saw, to the smallest for mechanical
purposes. The best quality of cast steel is used in the manu-
facture of Saws by this company, made expressly for that
purpose by Messrs. William Jessop & Sons., the well-known
steel converters of Sheffield, England.
In manufacturing Circular Saws, the plates of steel are first
flattened by hammering on anvils, the centre hole is then
drilled, and placed on a mandrel where it is turned
around under a die in a press and cut on a true circle, after
which an index plate is put on, and the teeth is cut, exact
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
149
distances between each point, and all of equal depth; by means of these
index plates, all marking out of the teeth is done away with, as they are
fastened to the saw plate, that is being toothed, and made to revolve around
the desired distance from tooth to tooth. In cutting teeth into Cross Cut,
or other long Saws, one space is cut and the plate moved to a guage equi-
distant to the next tooth, thereby forming one tooth at each revolution of
the press, which is run at forty revolutions per minute.
For cutting Hand, Panel, Scroll, Butcher and "Wood Saws, one of
A. Bartholf's patent presses is used, which is so arranged as to cut any size
teeth from two to eighteen, to one inch, and to move the Saw along the
exact distance to be cut, leaving nothing for the operator to do but to
remove the blades when the teeth are cut in them, and place others on to
be toothed; this press cuts about 240 teeth per minute.
Alter the Saw, whether Circular, Cross Cut, Muley or small, for hand
use is toothed, it is then hardened and tempered; this is done by placing
the plates in a furnace and allowing them to remain there until they are of
a clear red heat, (being careful not to overheat and burn them), they are
then removed and dipped into troughs containing a mixture of oil, bees-
wax, rosin, etc., which makes the steel as hard and brittle as glass. The
oil is then cleaned off and the plates put into the tempering furnace and
heated until they are brought to temper required, (these furnaces are so
arranged that uniform heat is imparted to the Saws being tempered,) after
tempering, the Saws being warped and crooked, are straightened, which is
very particular work; then ground and polished by machinery, and
straighened again, when they are ready for the salesroom.
This company also manufacture Circular Saw Mandrels, Planing
Knives, Curriers' Knives, Reaping and Mowing Machine Sections, springs
nd all articles requiring a spring temper.
Charles P. Sheffield. N. W. Spaulding. James Patterson.
saw mandrel.
REAPER SECTION.
150 WHERE SHALL THE BABY'S DIMPLE BE?
WHERE SHALL THE BABY'S DIMPLE BE?
Over the cradle a mother hung,
Softly crooning a slumber song,
And these were the simple words she sung
All the evening long :
" Cheek or chin, or knuckle or knee,
Where shall the baby's dimple be ?
Where shall the angel's finger rest
When he comes down to the baby's nest ?
Where shall the angel's touch remain
When he awakens my babe again ?"
Still, as she bent and sang so low,
A murmur into her music broke,
And she paused to hear, for she could but know
The baby's angel spoke :
" Cheek or chin, or knuckle or knee,
Where shall the baby's dimple be ?
Where shall my fingers fall and rest
When I come down to the baby's nest ?
Where shall my finger's touch remain
When I awaken your babe again ?"
Silent the mother sat and dwelt
Long in the delay of choice,
And then by her baby's side she knelt
And sang with a pleasant voice :
(' Not on the limb, oh, angel dear !
For the charm with its youth will disappear,
Not on the cheek shall the dimple be,
For the harboring smile will fade and flee ;
But touch thou the chin with an impress deep,
And my baby the angel's seal shall keep."
INK MANUFACTURERS.
The Pacific Ink Factory? J- J- Knowlton & Co., 405 Sansome street. — This
is the only manufactory of inks on the Pacific Coast worthy of mention.
Mr. Knowlton commenced this business some eight years since, and it is
now built up to be a large establishment, making every variety of ink
known to the trade, also mucilage and blueing of superior quality. We
can speak from positive knowledge, having used several varieties of his
inks for many years. Patronize home manufacturers.
Honesty is no pride.
He that has a full purse never wanted a friend.
Of evil grain no good seed can come.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
151
SEWING MACHINES.
Florence Sewing Machines, Samuel Hill, Agent, 19 New Montgom-
ery street. — ■
w/oi/s/af^F'
The Florence Sewing Machine was introduced on this coast in the year
1863, and has since been one of the most successful agencies of the Flor-
ence company, the sales having been nearly equal to the sales here, of all
the sewing machines of other manufacture combined.
Mr. Hill has presented them for competition with all the first-class
machines, and able judges have declared in favor of the Florence. At our
State Fairs in 1865 and 1866, spirited contests were made for the premiums.
The following were the awards of the committees :
To the Resident of the California State Agricultural Society : — Your
committee on sewing machines beg leave to report that we have examined
the several sewing machines on exhibition — the Wheeler & Wilson, Grover
& Baker, and Florence, and find that for general family use the Florence
is the best.
J. IT. Andrews,
Thos. C. McHale,
L. EliKTTS.
After a careful investigation of this new and beautiful machine, viewing
it, as we do, in its mechanical points, we consider it worthy of much. praise,
particularly that portion of its arrangement by which the Reversible
Motion is obtained, which is simplicity itself, and in our opinion worthy
of special consideration. Also, the complete and positive control over the
tension, as exhibited in this machine, along with the arrangement for
taking up the slack of the thread, as was shown in sewing without any
alteration, and without any stoppage of machine from the finest lace to four
thicknesses of leather.
Your Committee, therefore, after a close and careful investigation, con-
sider it the best and most improved machine now in use, and award it the
first and highest premium.
Thomas Hansbrow,
George Schmeiseu,
Samuel Blair,
Committee on Sewing Machines, Cal. State Agricultural Society.
152
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
In fact the Florence lias in every instance obtained the premium when-
ever placed in competition at the Fairs on this coast in the past eight years,
or since its introduction here.
A peculiar feature of this machine is that it is easily kept in order and
so confident is the agent of its superiority in this respect that he publishes
far and near, this remarkable proposition: — "If there is a Florence Sewing
Machine within one thousand miles of San Francisco not working well and
giving entire satisfaction, if I am informed of it, it will be attended to
without expense of any kind to the owner." This probably has done
more in introducing the machine than anything else, as no other sewing
machine agency has thought it best or safe to make a like offer.
The varieties of sewing performed on this machine are limited only by
the desires of the operator and the wants of the family. The »titch is the
lock stitch, so universally decided to be the best; the ingenious manner of
making the stitch is well worthy of investigation, and bespeaks much for
the genius of the inventor, as one may run the work either backward or
forward with equal ease at will. This is often a great convenience and can
be done only with the Florence. Another important advantage connected
with the manner of making the stitch by this machine is the perfect ten-
sion obtained, enabling one to sew from the lightest to the heaviest goods
without making any change in the machine.
These are a few of the more prominent features of this indispensable
article to every household. The prices of these machines range from sixty-
five dollars upwards, depending upon the finish and ornamentation.
To the reader we would say, as a present for Christmas, New Year, or the
birthday of one near and dear to you, nothing could be more prized, as its
use combines a pleasant employment of the time for a useful purpose.
We are satisfied after carefully examining the different sewing machines,
and " their name is legion," that the Florence is the instrument especially
adapted to every lady's use and capable of rendering the greatest amount
of assistance in performing that heretofore dreaded task, the family sewing.
The sewing machine has become a necessity, regard it either as conducive
to health or as a saving of expense. With a good sewing machine a
woman can sew more in one month than in four months by hand sewing;
but far more important than this, is the question of life and health.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
PHOTOGRAPH GALLERIES.
153
MONTGOMERY STREET.
C. E. Watkins, Yosemite Art Gallery, Montgomery street, opposite the
Lick Mouse entrance. — The accompanying diagram is a plan of what is
probably one of the largest and most finely fitted-up photograph galleries
on this Continent; all that experience or good taste can suggest,
is here combined to beautify and adorn. The rooms occupy the second
floor of almost half of a block. The wainscoting in the reception parlor
consists of a series of views which are not only miracles of photographic
art, but are delineations of some of the finest residences and views to be
found in San Francisco.
The walls of the room, called the Yosemite Art Gallery, are
adorned with one hundred and twenty-five of those superb views of Pacific
Coast scenery (in size 18 by 22 inches,) which have given Watkins a repu-
tation world-wide. To obtain them, he has spent several of the best years
of' his life camping beside mountain streams, or laboriously toiling to
the summit of lofty peaks, from which he has beheld, and transfixed on
his faithful negatives, some of the most awe-inspiring scenery that the eye
of man has yet gazed upon.
Here also may be found stereoscopic views by the thousand — views in
Oregon; views on the Central Pacific railroad; views of Yosemite's
wonders; views of almost everything curious, grand or instructive. Next
154 MISCELLANEOUS SELECTIONS.
to a journey to Yosemite itself, is a visit to this delightful retreat, where
hours and even days can be spent without exhausting its resources.
Mr. Watkins has placed all this luxury and elegance; all of these
sources of refined and rational enjoyment at the disposal — not only of his
immediate patrons, but the public at large, who throng his rooms daily,
and who are always made as welcome by the genial proprietor and his
polite assistants as if they came as customers.
We have not space sufficient at our disposal to give the reader an idea
of the beauty and extent of this splendid establishment, but invite them
to visit it and see for themselves, and should they desire to see their linea-
ments reflected in a perfect photograph, they may feel assured of meeting
with the most courteous treatment coupled with a determination to
produce work that shall suit. In one thing only will the stranger be
disappointed, perhaps; receiving first-class work produced by first-class
artists, aided by first-class mechanical appliances; he may expect to pay
exorbitant prices, but he will find that they will compare favorably with
any gallery in the city producing good work.
CURIOSITIES OF LIFE.
Lay your finger on your pulse, and know that at every stroke some
immortal passes to his Maker; some fellow-being crosses the river of
death; and if we think of it we may well wonder that it should be so long
before our turn comes.
Half of all who live die before seventeen.
Only one person in ten thousand lives to be one hundred years old, and
but one in a hundred reaches sixty.
The married live longer than the single.
There is one soldier to every eight persons, and out of every thousand
born only five weddings take place.
If you take a thousand persons who have reached seventy years, there
are of clergymen, orators and public speakers, 44; farmers, 40; workmen,
33; soldiers, 22; lawyers, 29; professors, 27; doctors, 24.
These statements are very instructive. Farmers and workmen do not
arrive at a good old age as often as the clergyman and others who perform
no manual labor; but this is owing to the neglect of the laws of health,
inattention to the proper habits of life in eating, drinking, sleeping, dress,
and the proper care of themselves after the work of the day is done.
These farmers or workmen eat a heavy supper on a summer's day, and sit
around the doors in their shirt sleeves, and in their tired condition and
weakened circulation, are easily chilled, leaving the foundation for diarrhea,
bilious colic, lung fever or consumption.
REMARKABLE EFFECT OF AN ADVERTISEMENT.
A family in Florida lost their little boy, and advertised for him in a
daily newspaper. That very afternoon an alligator crawled up out of a
swamp and died on the front door-step. In his stomach was found a
handful of red hair, some bone buttons, a pair of boot-heels, a glass alley,
a pair of check pants and a paper collar. The advertisement did it.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OP SAN FRANCISCO. 155
FOUNDRIES.
Occidental Foundry, 137 and 139 First street, is the name of an estab-
lishment recently opened in this city, on the old stand of the Vulcan
Foundry. It is owned and conducted by Messrs. Steiger & Boland, who
bring into the new enterprise an experience in -the business of some twenty
years on this coast. Many of the best moulders formerly associated with
them, have again found employment. We understand also that the former
foreman of the pattern department of the Vulcan Iron Works is to have
charge of the designs and patterns for the new firm.
For. the main foundry a new building has taken the place of the old,
which is said to be as large, and as well arranged in all its internal workings,
as any of the kind in the city, while its advantages for proper ingress and
egress are all that could be desired; the whole building running back from
First street 137>£ feet to W. T. Garratt's Brass Works, with a frontage of
57 i'eet on Natoma street. Everything has been provided to make it a
first-class custom foundry — their motto being "promptness and neatness
in the execution of all orders." Of the work on hand, we noticed some
large kettles and tanks for the San Francisco Assaying and Refining
Works. Retorts and a variety of other manufactured articles for two of
our principal sugar refineries (the Bay and the California and the Pacific
Sugar Refining Companies); a good display of different kinds of imple-
ments for the San Francisco Screw and Bolt Works of Phelps Bros.,
Drumm street; sundry sections of pump machinery for David Stoddart's
Machine Works, as also a choice collection of cones, swedge blocks and
tweer irons manufactured for the Glasgow Metal and Iron Works Company,
Fremont street, together with a quantity of milling and mining machinery,
for this city and the interior; the entire iron work of the new warehouse
and works of the San Francisco Cordage Company; a large order for shoes
and dies for Mexican mines, is being executed here, and ten Hepburn &
McCurdy's improved roller pans, with the suitable settlers — of these last
this foundry has the sole right of manufacture.
SAD TALE FROM SELMA.
It appears that twelve young men of that city swore off drinking on
New Year's day, 1871, and agreed to deposit with one of their number, on
the first day of each month, $10 each, the total to be divided among the
members of the association who on the first day of January, 1872, should
prove to have been faithful to their pledge. One by one the members back-
slid and yielded to the liquid temptation, until only a single individual was
left, who at noon on New Year's day was to receive $1,400. The only one
faithful among the faithless, proceeded to the rendezvous at the appointed
hour. He waited until ten minutes after noon, and then thought he would
run into the saloon next door and get a nip. He had just swallowed it
when ten of the other members entered to take their noonday Angostura,
and he found to his horror that his watch was twenty minutes fast, and the
money was lost. The eleven therefore proceeded to the residence of the
treasurer, and found that he had lost all the money playing draw poker
with one of the church trustees. The sad occurrence has cast a gloom over
the whole community.
156 MELTING MOMENTS.
MELTING MOMENTS.
/j\NE winter evening, a country storekeeper in the Mountain State was
IN about closing Ms doors for the night, when, while standing in the
"' snow outside, putting up his window-shutters, he saw through the
glass a lounging, worthless fellow within take half a pound of fresh
butter from, the shelf, and hastily conceal it in his hat.
The act was no sooner detected than the revenge was hit upon, and a
very few moments found the Green Mountain storekeeper at once
indulging his appetite for fun to the fullest extent, and paying off the thief
with a facetious sort of torture, for which he might have gained a premium
from the old Inquisition.
" Stay, Seth !" said the storekeeper, coming in, and closing the door after
him, slapping his hands over his shoulders, and stamping the snow off his
shoes.
Seth had his hand on the door, and his hat upon his head, and the roll
of butter in his hat, anxious to make his exit as soon as possible.
"Seth, we'll have a little warm Santa Cruz," said the Green Mountain
grocer, as he opened the stove door, and stuffed in as many sticks as the
space would admit. " Without it, you'd freeze going home such a night
as this."
Seth felt very uncertain; he had the butter and was exceedingly anxious
to be off; but the temptation of " something warm " sadly interfered with
his resolution to go. This hesitation, however, was soon settled by the
right owner of the butter taking Seth by the shoulders and planting him in
a seat close to the stove, where he was in such a manner cornered in by
barrels and boxes that, while the country grocer sat before him, there was
no possibility of his getting out; and right in this very place, sure enough
the storekeeper sat down.
Seth already felt the butter settling down closer to his hair, and he
declared he must go.
" Not till you have something warm, Seth. Come I've got a story to
tell you, Seth; sit down now." And Seth was again pushed into his seat
by his cunning tormentor.
" O, it's too hot here !" said the petty thief, again attempting to rise.
"I say, Seth, sit down; I reckon now, on such a night as this, a little
something warm wouldn't hurt a fellow; come, sit down."
" Sit down — don't be in such a plaguy hurry," repeated the grocer,
pushing him back in his chair.
" But I've got the cows to fodder, and some wood to split, and I must
be a goin'," continued the persecuted chap.
" But you mustn't tear yourself away, Seth, in this manner. Sit down;
let the cows take care of themselves, and keep yourself cool; you appear
to be fidgety," said the grocer, with a wicked leer.
The next thing was the production of two smoking glasses of hot rum
toddy, the very sight of which in Seth's present situation would have
made the hair stand erect upon his head, had it not been oiled and kept
down by the butter.
" Seth, I'll give you a toast now, and you can butter it yourself," said
A DICKENS OF A ROMANCE. 157
the grocer, yet with an air of such consummate simplicity, that poor Seth
still believed himself unsuspected. " Seth, here's — here's a Christmas
goose, well roasted and basted, eh ? I tell you Seth, it's the greatest eating
in creation. And, Seth, don't you use hog's fat or common cooking butter to
baste a goose with. Come, take your butter — I mean, Seth, take your
toddy."
Poor Seth now began to smoke as well as to melt, and his mouth was as
hermetically sealed up as though he had been born dumb. Streak after
streak of the butter came pouring from under his hat, and his handker-
chief was already soaked with the greasy overflow. Talking away as if
nothing was the matter, the grocer kept stuffing the wood in the stove,
while poor Seth sat bolt upright with his back against the counter, and his
knees almost touching the red-hot furnace before him.
" Very cold night this," said the grocer. " Why, Seth, you seem to per-
spire as if you were warm ! Why don't you take your hat off? Here, let
me put your hat away."
" No !" exclaimed poor Seth at last, with a spasmodic effort to get his
tongue loose, and clapping both hands upon his hat — "no ! — I must go —
let me out — I ain't well — let me go !" A greasy cataract was now pouring
down the poor fellow's face and neck, and soaking into his clothes, and
trickling down his body into his very boots, so that he was literally in a
perfect bath of oil.
"Well, good-night, Seth," said the humorous Vermonter, "if you will
go;" adding, as Seth got into the road, "Neighbor, I reckon the fun I've
had out of you is worth sixpence; so I sha'n't charge you for that half-
pound of butter."
A DICKENS OF A ROMANCE.
An ingenious romance reader has connected the following Dickensy
item : " Oliver Twist " had some " Hard Times " in the " Battle of Life,"
and having been saved from the " Wreck of the Golden Mary " by " Our
Mutual Friend," "Nicholas Nickleby," has just finished reading "A Tale
of Two Cities " to " Martin Chuzzlewit," during which time "Cricket on
the Hearth " had been chirping right merrily, while " The Chimes " from
the adjacent church were heard, when " Seven Poor Travelers " commenced
to sing a " Christmas Carol." " Barnaby Budge" then arrived from the
" Old Curiosity Shop " with some " Pictures from Italy" and "Sketches
by Boz," to show "Little Dorrit " who was busy with the "Pickwick
Papers;" when "David Copperfield," who had been taking "American
Notes," entered and informed the company that the " Great Expectations "
of " Dombey & Son," regarding " Mrs. Lirriper's Legacy," has not been
realized, and that he had seen "Boots at the Holly Tree Inn" taking
" Somebody's Luggage " to "Mrs. Lirriper's Lodgings," in a street that
has "No Thoroughfare," opposite "Bleak House," where the "Haunted
Man," who had just given one of "Dr. Marigold's Prescriptions " to an
"Uncommercial Traveler," was brooding over "The Mystery of Edwin
Drood."
The worth of a thing may be best known by the want of it.
158 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
IRON FOUNDRIES.
JEtna Iron Works, Hanscom & Co., Proprietors, southeast corner of
JBremont and Tehama streets. — This establishment, though only established
some six years, has, by the indomitable energy, skill and management of
its proprietors, taken rank among the first in the country. Their business
extends from Alaska to Central America, and includes all the Pacific Coast
Territory between.
They have established a good reputation for marine engine work as
well as for stationary, and for all kinds of mill work this firm is
unexcelled. They make as specialities, — Tyler's improved water wheel,
Dunbar's steam piston packing, Hanscoin's improved steam pump, a Pacific
Coast invention, and of great capacity and simplicity; Hanscom's quartz
crusher, Varney's amalgamating pans, White's improved rotary roasting
furnaces, Pendergast's superior white iron stamp and pan shoes and dies;
Nye & Pattee's patent steam vacuum pump, — and are prepared to make ail
other kinds of machinery in the best manner, giving their personal
attention to the various departments of their establishment, which secures
better results than when superintendence is under employees. Some of
the finest iron fronts for building in San Francisco and other places have
been manufactured by this firm, and they have the best assortment of
house work patterns of any foundry on the Pacific Coast.
They make-a specialty of propeller wheels for steamers, having made
more than any other firm in California, and have special advantages over
other shops for this particular kind of work.
Those parties who have had to purchase much toothed gearing know the
difficulty of getting their patterns properly made; by giving their orders to
Hanscom & Co., they will be guaranteed satisfaction.
A BEAUTIFUL CHEMICAL EXPERIMENT.
The following beautiful chemical experiment may easily be performed
by a lady, to the great astonishment of a circle at her tea party : Take
two or three leaves of red cabbage, cut them into small bits, put them into
a basin, and pour a pint of boiling water on them; let it stand an hour,
then pour off the liquor into a decanter. It will be of a fine blue color.
Then take four wine glasses; into one put six drops of strong vinegar,
another six drops of solution of soda, into a third the same quantity of a
strong solution of alum, and let the fourth glass remain empty. The
glasses may be prepared some time before, and the few drops of colorless
liquids which have been placed in them will not be noticed. Fill up the
glasses from the decanter, and the liquid poured into the glass containing
the acid will quickly become a beautiful red, that in the glass containing
the soda will be a fine green, that poured in the empty one will remain
unchanged. By adding a little vinegar to the green it will immediately
change to a red, and adding a little solution of soda to the red it will
assume a fine green, thus showing the actions of acids and alkalies on
vegetable blues.
»-•-•
Gold is good, but it may be dear bought.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 159
HARDWARE AND AG RICUL TURAL WAREHOUSE.
108 and 110 Front street and 12 and 14 Pine street. — The very name of
Hawley suggests hardware on the Pacific Coast. Ever since the city has
been in existence these gentleman have occupied a prominent position in
its business circles. They are perhaps more widely known, especially by
old residents of the State, than any other hardware house on the coast.
Other firms have arisen and nourished extensively and decayed (some of
them are even putting forth a second growth), while Marcus C. Hawley &
Co., have gone steadily on from year to year keeping up with the times,
and are to-day doing a more successful and rapidly increasing business
than ever before.
Their thorough knowledge of the business acquired by long experience
enables them to meet the requirements of the trade on this coast in a more
satisfactory manner, both as to price and quality, than any other firm in
their own line possibly can do, however hard and honestly they may try.
Marcus C. Hawley & Co., have always shown a determination to have the
leading articles in their line. This is more noticeable to the ordinary observer
in their agricultural goods. Take for example their mowers and reapers. Is,.
there in use anything quite up to the " Buckeye ?" Is there any mower
sold that can be recommended for all kinds of work as its equal ? Every
hardware dealer on this coast and every unprejudiced farmer, if they
would speak their honest convictions, would have to admit that there is
not.
One will claim a superior knife and guard^; another, superiority of
gearing; another, a better lifting device; another, lightness, and so on, but
when you come right down to actual hard work the " Buckeye " always
comes out triumphant. It not only cuts the lodged and trampled grass or
grain, but it does so without being pulled to pieces while doing it. A glance
suffices to show that its strength and durability is greater" than any other
known, and this strong and solid appearance has caused unscrupulous
agents of rival machines to allege that it runs beavy, ignoring the fact that
it is its very rigidity that makes its machinery run without binding or
getting out of line, and consequently lighter than any fragile machine
possibly can be. The weight of a machine adds nothing to speak of to its draft
while it does add materially to its strength and durability. The " Buckeye "
is a mower, also a reaper with a dropper or raking attachment, or can be
used with a hand rake.
They sell the Haines latest improved headers, and it has at last come to
be acknowledged that they are about the only ones worth purchasing. The
celebrated Sweepstake Threshers are also sold by them — undoubtedly the
most rapid and durable machines of this class in use. To accompany them
they sell the Carey or Climax horsepowers, either mounted or down. They
also sell hay cutters, feed mills, portable saw mills, root cutters, corn
shellers, road scrapers, wheelbarrows, grindstones, hay presses, cider
presses, grain drills, hay rakes and a full line of shelf hardware.
Their brother, Edward Hawley, established the house of Hawley, Dodd
<fc Co., Portland, Oregon, which firm does the most extensive hardware and
agricultural business in that State.
160 TWO LITTLE ROGUES.
TWO LITTLE ROGUES.
BY MRS. A. M. DIAZ.
Says Sammy to Dick,
"Come hurry! Come quick!
And we'll do, and we'll do, and we'll do!
Our mammy's away,
She's gone for to stay,
And we'll make a great hullabaloo!
Hi too! ri loo! loo! loo! loo!
We'll make a great hullabaloo."
Says Dickey to Sam,
"All weddy I am,
To do, and to do, and to do,
But how doesth it go?
I so ittle to know.
Thay, what be a hullabawoo?"
Ri too! ri loo! woo! woo! woo!
Thay, what be a hullabawoo? "
" O, slammings and hangings,
And whingings and whangings;
And very bad mischief we'll do!
We'll clatter and shout,
And knock things about,
And that's what's a hullabaloo!
Ri too! ri loo! loo! loo! loo!
And that's what's a hullabaloo!
Slide down the front stairs,
Tip over the chairs!
Now into the pantry break through!
Pull down all the tinware,
And pretty things in there,
All aboard for a hullaballoo!
Ri too! ri loo! loo! loo! loo!
All aboard for a hullabaloo!
Now roll up the table,
Far up as you're able,
Chairs, sofa, big easy-chair, too!
Put the lamps and the vases
In funny old places.
How's this for a hullabaloo?
Ri too! ri loo! loo! loo! loo!
How's this for a hullabaloo?
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 161
Let the dishes and pans
Be the womans and mans ;
Everybody keep still in their pew !
Mammy's gown I'll get next,
And preach you a text. .
Dick ! hush with your hullabaloo !
Ei too ! ri loo ! loo ! loo ! loo!
Dickey ! hush with your hullabaloo I"
As the preacher in gown
Climbed up and looked down,
His queer congregation to view,
Said Dickey to Sammy,
" O, dere comes our mammy!
She'll pank for dis hullabawoo!
Ri too! ri loo! loo! loo! loo!
She'll pank for dis hullabawoo!
" O, mammy! O, mammy!"
Cried Dickey and Sammy,
" We'll never again, certain true! "
But with firm step she trod
To take down the rod —
O, then came a hullabaloo!
" Bohoo! bohoo! woo! woo! woo!
O, then came a •hullabaloo!
CUNDURANGO.
The Great Cancer Remedy, <?• W. Chesley & Co., Agents, 51 Front
street, Sacramento. — This plant is a recent discovery, indigenous to South
America, and is creating considerable excitement in the medical profession.
Dr. D. W. Bliss, of Washington, in whose hands a quantity of Cundu-
rango plant was placed for trial, has issued a circular in which he details
his experience with the remedy. He says that in the case of Mrs.
Matthews, Vice-President Colfax's mother, who was afflicted with cancer on
the breast, far advanced in its course, with secondary cancerous deposits,
the constitutional and local symptoms as well as the typical symptoms of
blood-poisoning yielded and finally disappeared under a treatment of
twenty-six days. Dr. Bliss considers the Cundurango as reliable a specific
in cancer, scrofula, and other blood diseases, as cinchona and its alkaloids
have proved to be in zymotic diseases. This positive testimony will be
hailed with delight by the thousands who are suffering with diseases of the
blood — cancer, scrofula and syphilitic diseases in all their forms, or from
the subtle effects of malaria, chills and fever, biliousness, etc. With great
care and expense the undersigned, with the aid of the best medical expe-
rience, have prepared a bitter containing Cundurango and other medicinal
roots and herbs, which from frequent trial and experience bids a bold defi-
ance to many of the ills that flesh is heir to, and proclaims itself the
friend of mankind. S. B. Stoddard & Son, Agents, 405 Front Street,
San Francisco. All orders addressed, G. W. Chesley & Co., Wholesale
Grocers, Sacramento.
11
162 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
WHOLESALE LIQUOR DEALERS.
Chenery, Souther & Co., 215 and 217 California street. — This house,
though comparatively new, is one of the most promising in the city, and
one whose success has been nattering, indeed, while contending with the
older houses in the liquor business, whose reputation was already estab-
lished. Chenery, Souther & Co. started their house in 1869, in a quiet,
unassuming manner, on Clay street, having made their Eastern connec-
tions with the Cedar Run Creek Distillery of the Messrs. Saffell, at
Frankfort; (by the way, one of the oldest, as also one in the best of repute in
the State of Kentucky) ; and by careful management and strict attention to
their business, have already attained an enviable position among the
trade, whose confidence they possess in a large degree, and which promises
much for their future success. Already have they found the old premises
too contracted for their increasing trade and importations, and we now
find them occupying the spacious and elegant stores, Nos. 215 and 217
California street, immediately among the heaviest merchants of our city.
Probably no store in their line of business is so well finished throughout
as this they now occupy; the walls being all hard finished, and very
neatly ceiled above on both floors, while the stairway is wide and easy of
access to the upper floor. The store is some one hundred feet in length
by thirty wide, nearly twenty-five of the end being cut off for their spacious
counting-room, which is lighted by three circular skylights of ground glass,
giving a very pretty effect to the general tout ensemble of black walnut
appointments within. The upper floor is used for the bottling of their
various brands of family liquors, put up specially for the drug trade, this
being with them a specialty — the large and increasing demands in this
branch of the business is indication of their popularity with the Apotheca-
ries. The immense cellar, reaching far out into the street, is used, for the
storage of wines that are being in process of fining, and for surplus stock
of the store.
Their brand of " Cedar Run " Bourbon Whisky, has a very exten-
sive sale, and is already an established favorite with the people of this coast.
They have secured the exclusive agency of Doctor Abebnethy's Gin-
ger Brandy, an excellent stomachic, possessing all the virtues of the
Extract in a much more palatable form. In fact it is a very inviting
cordial, acting as a gentle stimulus for the exhausted system, by what-
ever cause produced, and is especially acceptable to the ladies.
All of the popular foreign and domestic brands of wines, cordials and
bitters can be found here, as also the more palatable, sparkling champagne
wines to suit the most fastidious. This house has the sole agency of the
well-known brand, " Paul Ruinart & Kurz " champagne, direct from
Reims, France, which connoisseurs pronounce delicious, and equal to any-
thin 0, the market affords. We confidently commend this house to the
public as every way worthy their confidence, and one which will not
disappoint any reasonable expectations.
Nothing is so reasonable and cheap as good manners.
All difficulties are overcome by assiduity and diligence.
POSTAGE RATES IN UNITED STATES. 163
POSTAGE RATES IN UNITED STATES.
Letters — The standard single rate weight is % oz. avoirdupois.
Single rate letter, throughout the United States 3 cents
For each additional % oz. or fraction 3 "
Drop-letters, for local delivery, single rate 2 "
" where there is no local delivery, single rate 1 "
These postages must be prepaid by stamps. Letters are to be forwarded
without additional charge, if the person to whom they are addressed has
changed his residence, and has left proper directions to such effect.
Letters uncalled for will be returned to the sender, if a request to that
effect be written upon the envelope. Properly certified letters of soldiers
and sailors will be forwarded without prepayment. No extra charge is
made for the service of carriers taking letters to or from post offices.
Newspapers — The standard single rate is 4 oz. avoirdupois.
Daily, (seven times a week) 35 cents per quarter
" (six times a week) 30 "
Tri-weekly , 15 "
Semi-weekly 10 "
Weekly 5 "
These rates must be prepaid quarterly or yearly; for full security they
should be paid at the office where the paper is received. One copy of a
weekly newspaper may be sent free by the publisher to each subscriber
who resides in the county where the paper is published.
Periodicals — The standard single rate is 4 oz. avoirdupois.
Semi-monthly 6 cents per quarter
Monthly 3 "
Quarterly 1 "
Transient Printed Matter —
Books, for each single rate of 4 oz. avoirdupois 4 cents
Circulars, not exceeding three in one envelope constituting a
single rate 2 cents
Miscellaneous Mailable Matter, (embracing all pamphlets,
occasional publications, transient newspaper, book manuscripts
and proof sheets, whether corrected or not, maps, prints, engrav-
ings, sheet music, blanks, flexible patterns, samples and sample
cards, photographic paper, letter envelopes, postal envelopes
or wrappers, cards, paper, plain or ornamental, photographic
representations of different types, seeds, cuttings, bulbs, roots
and scions) on one package to one address, for each single rate
of 4 oz. avoirdupois 2 cents
[ By a decision of the Post Office Department, manuscripts and proofs
passing between authors and editors of magazines and newspapers are not
regarded as passing " between authors .and publishers," and must pay
letter postage.] Prepayment by stamps is required for all postage on
transient printed matter. The maximum weight of any package of printed
or miscellaneous matter is 4 lbs. avoirdupois.
Registration — Letters may be registered on payment of a fee of fifteen
cents, but the Government takes no responsibility for safe carriage or
compensation in case of loss.
164 MONEY ORDERS.
MONEY ORDERS.
All principal post offices now receive small sums of money and issue
drafts for the same upon other post offices, subject to the following charges
and regulations :
On orders not exceeding $20, 10 cents.
Over $20 and not exceeding $30, 15 cents.
Over $30 and not exceeding $40, 20 cents.
Over $40 and not exceeding $50, 25 cents.
International Money Orders on Great Britain and Switzerland
may be obtained upon the payment of the following fees, viz :
GREAT BRITAIN.
On orders not exceeding $10, 25 cents.
Over $10 and not exceeding $20, 50 cents.
Over $20 and not exceeding $30, 75 cents.
Over $30 and not exceeding $40, $1.00.
Over $40 and not exceeding $50, #1.25.
SWITZERLAND.
Rates of Commission — in United States Currency — charged for issuing In-
ternational money orders, to be transmitted by the Postmaster at
New York to Switzerland.
On orders not exceeding $20, 10 cents.
Over $20 and not exceeding $30, 15 cents.
Over $30 and not exceeding $40, 20 cents.
(Over $40 and not exceeding $50, 25 cents.
Rates of Charge for Exchange — To be deducted by the Postmaster at New
York, from the value in U. S. Gold, of International Order on
Switzerland.
On orders not exceeding $20, 20 cents (gold).
Over $20 and not exceeding $30, 30 cents (gold.)
Over $30 and not exceeding $40, 40 cents »
Over $40 and not exceeding $50, 50 cents "
No fractions of cents to be introduced in an Order. United States Treas-
ury Notes or National Bank Notes only, received or paid.
The Order is only payable at the office upon which it is drawn. The
Order should be collected within one year from its date. After once paying
an Order, by whomsoever presented, the Department will be liable to no
further claim.
BUTTERICK'S PATTERNS.
H. A. Deming, Agent, 113 Kearny street, between Sutter and Post. —
Do all the ladies know that with the aid of these patterns they can cut and
make any garment to fit perfectly ? If they do not, they are placed at a
disadvantage. It is just as easy to dress themselves and children fashion-
ably and elegantly as otherwise, by securing these patterns at a trifling
expense. They are of the latest and most elegant styles. Indeed this
house establishes the fashions to a large extent, issuing, as they do, a
splendid fashion magazine, and sending their patterns all over the country
by the million.
TEMBLOR MUY TERRIBLE. 165
TEMBLOR MTJY TERRIBLE.
(the earthquake.)
There's warning in the sky !
Aerial fires through heaven roll,
And red Auroras fleck the pole;
Cometic trains illume the sky,
And blazing meteors flash on high;
Strange lights through constellations run,
And black eclipses blot the sun;
While sheeted lightning sears the land,
And terrors rise on ev'ry hand;
There's warning in the sky !
There's danger in the deep !
The good ship ready for the main,
Hangs helpless at her rusty chain;
The sailor prays for fav'ring gales,
But not a breath will stir the sails;
The dolphin flaunts not through the spray;
The shark has ceased to hunt his prey;
The albatross soars high in air;
There's dread — there's warning ev'ry where;
There's danger in the deep!
There's terror in the wind !
Typhoons in awful fury rave,
And whirlwinds lash the troubled wave;
Siroccos blast the torrid plain,
While temp'rate zones are drowned in rain;
The dread volcanoes blaze on high,
And pois'nous vapors fill the sky;
While pestilential plagues prevail,
Portending death in ev'ry gale;
There's terror in the wind !
There's trouble in the land!
Portentous hangs the pulseless air;
The wolf forsakes his hidden lair;
The sky is clad in dusky dun,
And strangely glares the yellow sun;
The vane moves not above the spire;
The ocean glows like liquid fire;
The gull has left the sultry shore;
The hound pants helpless at the door;
There's trouble in the land !
There's trembling in the town !
And hark ! what means that awful sound,
Like triple thunder in the ground ?
166 skitter's trap.
What wakes that rattling, deaf ning roar ?
Why leaps the ocean on the ^hore;
The solid hills are toppling down !
A nameless fear pervades the town;
While shrieks and wailings of despair
Are borne upon the stifling air;
There's trembling in the town !
There's weeping o'er the scene !
On yester-eve the city, gay,
Had closed a pleasing holiday;
Last night the thoughtless, happy throng
Enjoyed the wine and merry song;
To-day the sable emblems wave
O'er many a mangled victim's grave,
While ruthless Ruin lifts her wand
Above the God-forsaken land !
There's weeping o'er the scene !
W. Frank Stewart.
SKITTER'S TRAP.
^gfoira Henry Jones had arrived at that age when, in the natural course
of human events, young men are subject to attacks of puppy -love
— when moonshine is the thing most congenial to their yearning
souls, when freckled girls' kisses are their " Balm in Gilead," and when it
is dollars to cents that they will manage to make consummate jackasses of
themselves. That was what ailed John Henry.
Henrietta Jane Skitters was an incipient woman, and had scarcely
dropped her infantile lisp and the length of her chin-curtains. She was of
that plentiful female sort, you understand, who run to sentiment and spit-
curls, and who had a blame sight sooner have young men's heads on their
hearts than common sense ideas in them. She was a nice girl, you know,
only she had ruined her appetite for beefsteak by devouring too many dime
novels. That was what ailed Henrietta Jane.
Rudolph Beethoven Skitters was a cynical, cross-grained, bald-headed
second fiddler in an Orchestra, and was old enough to know better.
He had thought the matter carefully over, you observe, and had con-
eluded that all men are liars, swindlers, knaves, thieves, politicians, or
some other species of infernal rascals. Therefore, he hated mankind with
a double concentrated intensity, only approached by his innate love for
gin. That was what ailed Rudolph Beethoven.
John Henry and Henrietta Jane met. He closed his right eye and
winked with the one that was left. She closed her left eye and winked with
the one that was right. From that moment, you comprehend, the etherial
essence evolved by the comingling of ecstatic — well, you know as well
as I do the effect of puppy -love upon the human race. They burst the
arms of the old man's rocking chair by sitting in it double, and slobbered
over each other daily from seven to twelve o'clock p. m. He hugged her
until her dress was threadbare under the arms, and she clawed around his
skitter's trap. 167
collar until all the button holes were stretched out. The cat and canary
bird, unwilling spectators of these scenes, had died in unspeakable agony,
and things were generally getting thick, when the old man dropped on the
situation. Rudolph Beethoven Skitters didn't rant much. He only
remarked that he did'nt know as he wanted to waste a healthy young man,
but that, if a certain nameless youth ever dax-ed to cross his drawbridge
again, a coroner, a sexton, an undertaker and a minister would be entitled
to their customary fees. Then he gave John Henry a piece of bread and
butter, and told him to run right home to his doting mother. As for Hen-
rietta Jane, she never sat down with any comfort for two weeks, during
which time the recollection of a six-horse power spanking was vividly
impressed upon her memory.
But John Henry, you notice, was no slouch of a lover. He meandered
right back to the Skitters mansion and kissed Henrietta Jane until she
thought she w r as in heaven, between two clouds, with angels flopping their
wings and tossing peppermint drops into her mouth. She got spanked,
and he got kicked out at twelve o'clock every night as regularly as the sun
rose ; but somehow they got hardened to it, and did'nt seem to mind it
any worth mentioning.
At length the cynical old cuss, who could'nt bear to see the children
have any fun playing at make-fools-of-themselves, swowed that he would
break up the game or burst. So he hired a misguided mechanic to build
an infernal machine, all for to spoil John Henry. It had a steel strap to
it, that clashed together like the jaws of death, and a two-foot mortar that
held eleven pounds of powder and a peck of old nails. He carried it home
on the sly, you see, and made the front gate a sort of trigger to it. One
blame dark night he fixed the thing all up, and left it ready, you observe,
to macerate John Henry the moment he touched the gate. Then the old
villain .wandered off to Hebinger's and absorbed gin until twelve o'clock.
In the meantime, John Henry, for the first time in three months, failed to
call on Henrietta Jane.
" I know it's pretty rough to kill a fellow," soliloquized old Skitters, as
he neared his home, " but he's brought it on himself. I wonder if they'll
hang me for it? I'll swear that I fixed it up for burglars, anyhow, and I
guess it'll be all right. Wonder if there's much excitement about it?
There don't seem to be any light in the house. Wonder what they've done
with his mangled remains? Ha, ha, ha! it's mighty funny though, come
to think of it. How surprised he must have — "
Just at this point old Skitters put his hand on the gate.
John Henry and Henrietta Jane have been married two years now. An
inmate of their household is a banged up old man, who navigates by
crutch power, and who is constantly picking bits of old nails out of
himself. The hair has all been singed off his head, and he keeps one of
his arms in a glass jar, preserved in alcohol. He says it is rheumatism
that ails him.
Titus A. Brick.
You cannot sell the cow and sup the milk.
168
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
HAY PRESSES.
Price Press Company, /• J- Truman, 17 Front street, San Ih^ancisco,
and C. H. Hubbard,- 9 J street, Sacramento, Agents.
The above cut is a representation of one of the most remarkable and
successful inventions of the Pacific coast. It is sometimes called the
Petaluma Press, on account of its having been invented in that place some
ten years since. There are nearly three hundred of them in use in California,
and it is safe to say that they bale at least three quarters of the hay on the
coast. One of them baled twenty-six tons five hundred and twenty-
four pounds in one day, near Mountain View, Santa Clara county,
California, in 1872, and several parties in the neighborhood of San Francisco
Bay averaged over one hundred tons per week, for weeks together.
They frequently bale twenty tons and upward per day, with four men.
To persons familiar with the capacity of other presses, who know that
an average day's work with them is not more than ten tons, these state-
ments must appear incredible, and we should hesitate to make them if the
presses had not performed as stated, year after year, in almost every
valley in California. It is no exaggeration to say that the invention of
this press has reduced the price of baling, where used, at least one half, in
the past six years.
These presses bale twice as fast as any other, and no man who expects
to bale hay as a business can afford to buy any other, because with them
he can barely pay expenses; while baling hay with the Price Press has for
years invariably been a s^ure and rapid way to make money.
There are four sizes of them manufactured, ranging in height from
seven feet to eight feet eight inches, and in price from three to five hundred
dollars. The bales range in weight, from two hundred to four hundred
pounds.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
169
THE CHALLENGE FEED MILL.
Iff. S. Bowdish, with Hawley & Co.,
corner California and Battery streets, Gen-
eral Agent for California and Oregon. —
This highly successful invention is coming
into very general use for custom work,
and by farmers, for grinding all kinds of
grain into feed. It operates on a new-
principle, and was patented by Nelson
Burr, of Batavia, Illinois, in 1860. Its
novelty consists of a narrow and small
grinding surface, the largest size used
being only seven inches in diameter, made
of white iron, and, being adjustible, they
can be replaced at a trifling cost when
dulled or worn out, making the mill practical for farmers, dairymen, lum-
bermen, warehousemen, distillers and all who grind feed. They can be
used with any kind of power — wind, water, horse or steam, from one to
eight horse, grinding from two hundred and fifty pounds to one ton per
hour.
Cost of mills, §75 to §100. Horse powers furnished to order from $75
to §150, suitable for running the mills, pumping, sawing, churning, etc.,
etc. Also agent for the Excelsior and Golden State Wind Mills, manu-
factured by Atwood & Bodwell.
All orders will receive prompt attention. Responsible agents solicited.
A good name will shine forever.
WOODEN WARE.
E. K. Howes & Co., H8, 120 and 122 Front street. — This firm manu-
factures every description of wooden w r are, and of all styles and varieties
— including pails, tubs, kegs of all descriptions, washboards, box and dash
churns, refrigerators, ice chests, butter workers, sieves, kits, barrel covers,
etc., etc., from material grown in this State, and on this coast. The woods
used for same, consist of sugar pine, cedar, ash, maple and redwood, of
which they consume in the course of a year, over 1,000 cords. They give
employment to some forty men, having the only complete factory for the
manufacture of wooden ware on this coast, situated at the corner of Main
and Mission streets, occupying a full fifty-vara lot, their power being
furnished by an engine of 100 horse-power. This manufactory has been
the means of stopping the importation of Eastern ware of every description
thus adding largely to "Home Interests," and benefiting all who use such
goods, by having a really fine and useful article in place of the ordinary
Eastern ware. This firm also manufacture all the Syrup Kegs used by the
S. F. and Pacific Sugar Refinery, to the amotmt of 5,000 per month; thus
again benefiting and giving employment to mpre than one hundred men
in the different branches connected in their completion. The ware is for
sale at their place of business, at low figures, and in any quantity.
170 THE WIDOW BEDOTT'S POETRY.
THE WIDOW BEDOTT'S POETRY.
BY FBANCES M. WHITCHEE.
£\ es, — lie was one o' the best men that ever trod shoe-leather, husband
was, though Miss Jinkins says (she 'twas Poll Bingham), she says, I
never found it out till after he died, but that's the consarndest lie that
ever was told, though it's jest a piece with everything else she says about
me. I guess if everybody could see the poitry I writ to his memory,
nobody wouldn't think I dident set store by him. Want to hear it?
Well, I'll see if I can say it; it ginerally affects me wonderfully, seems to
harrer up my feelin's; but I'll try. Dident know I ever writ poitry ? How
you talk ! used to make lots on't; hain't so much late years. I remember
once when Parson Potter had a bee, I sent him an amazin' great cheese,
and writ a piece o' poitry, and pasted on top on't. It says : —
Teach him for to proclaim
Salvation to the folks ;
No occasion give for any blame,
Nor wicked people's jokes.
And so it goes on, but guess I won't stop to say the rest on now, seein
there's seven and forty verses.
Parson Potter and his wife was wonderfully pleased with it; used to
sing it to the tune o' Haddem. But I was gwine to tell the one I made in
relation to husband; it begins as f oilers :
He never jawed in all his life,
He never was unkind, —
And (tbo' I say it that was his wife)
Such men you seldom find.
(That's as true as the Scripturs; I never knowed him to say a harsh word.)
I never changed my single lot, —
I thought 'twould be a sin —
(Though widder Jinkins says it's because I never had a chance.) Now
't ain't for me to say whether I ever had a numerous number o' chances or
not, but there's them livin' that might tell if they wos a mind to; why,
this poitry was writ on account of being joked about Major Coon, three
year after husband died. I guess the ginerality o' folks knows what was
the nature o' Major Coon's feelin's towards me, tho' his wife and Miss
Jinkins does say I tried to ketch him. The fact is, Miss Coon feels
wonderfully cut up 'cause she knows the Major took her " Jack at a
pinch," — seein' he couldent get such as he wanted, he took siich as he
could get, — but I goes on to say —
I never changed my single lot,
I thought 'twould be a sin, —
For I thought so much o' Deacon Bedott,
I never got married agin.
* THE WIDOW BEDOTT'S POETRY. 171
If ever a hasty word he spoke,
His anger dident last,
But vanished like tobacker smoke
Afore the wintry blast.
And since it was my lot to be
The wife of such a man,
Tell the men that's after me
To ketch me if they can.
If I was sick a single jot,
He called the doctor in —
That's a fact — he used to be scairt to death if anything ailed me. Now
only jest think — widder Jinkins told Sam Pendergrasses wife (she 'twas
Sally Smith) that she guessed the deacon dident set no great store by me,
or he wouldent a went off to confrence meetin' when I was down with the
fever. The truth is, they couldent git along without him no way. Parson
Potter seldom went to confrence meetin', and when he wa'n't there, who
was ther, pray tell, that knowed enough to take the lead if husband dident
do it ? Deacon Kenipe hadent no gift, and Deacon Crosby hadent no
inclination, and so it all come on Deacon Bedott, — and he was always ready
and willin' to do his duty, you know; as long as he was able to stand on
his legs he continued to go to confrence meetin'; why, I've knowed that
man to go when he couldent scarcely crawl on account o' the pain in the
spine of his back. He had a wonderful gift, and he wa'n't a man to keep
his talents hid up in a napkin, — so you see 'twas from a sense o' duty he
went when I was sick, whatever Miss Jinkins may say to the contrary.
But where was I ? Oh ! —
If I was sick a single jot,
He called the doctor in —
I sot so much by Deacon Bedott,
I never got married agin.
A wonderful tender heart he had,
That felt for all mankind,—
It made him feel amazin' bad
To see the world so blind.
Whiskey and rum he tasted not —
That's as true as the Scripturs, — but if you'll believe it, Betsy Ann Kenipe
told my Melissy that Miss Jinkins said one day to their house, how 't she'd
seen Deacon Bedott high, time and agin ! did you ever ! Well, I'm glad
nobody don't pretend to mind anything she says. I've knowed Poll
Bingham from a gal, and she never knowed how to speak the truth — besides
she always had a pertikkeler spite against husband and me, and between
us tew I' 11 tell you why if you won't mention it, for I make it a pint never
to say nothin' to injure nobody. Well, she was a ravin'-distracted after my
husband herself, but it's a long story. I'll tell you about it some other
time, and then you'll know why widder Jinkins is etarnally runnin' me
down. See, — where had I got to ? O, I remember now, —
172 THE WIDOW BEDOTT'S POETRY. I
Whiskey and rum he tasted not, —
He thought it was a sin, —
I thought so much o' Deacon Bedott
I never got married agin.
But now he's dead ! the thought is killin',
My grief I can't control —
He never left a single shillin'
His widder to console.
But that wa' n't his fault — he was so out o' health for a number o' year
afore he died, it ain't to be wondered at he dident lay up nothin' — however,
it dident give him no great oneasiness, — he never cared much for airthly
riches, though Miss Pendergrass says she heard Miss Jinkins say Deacon
Bedott was as tight as the skin on his back, — begrudged folks their vittals
when they came to his house ! did you ever ! why, he was the hull-soulde3t
man I ever see in all my born days. If I'd such a husband as Bill Jinkins
was, I'd hold my tongue about my neighbors' husbands. He was a dretful
mean man, used to get drunk every day of his life, and he had an awful
high temper, — used to swear like all possest when he got mad, — and I've
heard my husband say, (and he wa' n't a man that ever said anything that
wa' n't true), — I've heard him, say Bill Jinkins would cheat his own father
out of his eye teeth if he had a chance. Where was I ? Oh ! " His
widder to console," — ther ain't but one more verse, 't ain't a very lengthy
poim. When Parson Potter read it, he says to me, says he, — " What did
you stop so soon for ?" — but Miss Jinkins told the Crosbys she thought I'd
better a' stopt afore I'd begun, — she's a purty critter to talk so, I must say.
I'd like to see some poitry o' hern, — I guess it would be astonishin' stuff ;
and rnor'n all that, she said there wa'n't a word o' truth in the hull on't, —
said I never cared two cents for the deacon. What an everlastin' lie ! !
Why, when he died, I took it so hard I went deranged, and took on so for
a spell, they was afraid they should have to send me to a Lunattic Arsenal.
But that's a painful subject, I won't dwell on't. I conclude as follers : —
I'll never change my single lot, —
I think 't would be a sin, —
The inconsolable widder o' Deacon Bedott ^
Don't intend to get married agin.
Excuse my cryin' — my feelin's always overcomes me so when I say that
poitry — O-o-o-o-o-o !
Nothing difficult to a willing mind.
Every man is architect of his own fortune.
Wilful waste makes woeful want.
False friends are worse than open enemies.
According to reason each thing has its season.
He who gives seasonably gives twice as much.
A man that hath no virtue in himself envieth virtue in others.
Long tarrying takes all the thanks away.
Mischief oftens returns upon the authors of it.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 173
OCULISTS.
Drs. Morgan & Wilson, 526 Kearny street. — We called at the Eye
Infirmary of Drs. Morgan & Wilson some days since, and had a very
pleasant interview with a few of their many patients, they being so busily
engaged attending to their professional duties we were afforded but a short
opportunity to talk to them. We found their rooms filled with all ages
and both sexes, with every grade of the diseases of the eye, from the
simplest form of inflammation, to the most complicated, even to the
organic destruction of the eye itself.
In contemplating the suffering and variety of the diseases there presented,
we were sad, and could not help the involuntary exclamation — Oh, that
the science of medicine knew some " Balm in Gilead " to alleviate these
sufferers, and restore their lost sight, the greatest loss that can befall a
human being.
While we were thus meditating, we were presented to a good-looking
lady, about twenty-five years of age, whom we supposed accompanied
some of the patients to the Infirmary, as we could observe no evidence of
disease of the eyes, but, to our great surprise, we gleaned the following
' history of her case from her own lips, and for the information of the
reader we will relate it j ust as it occurred :
Ques. — " What is your name, Madam?"
Ans. — " Mrs. Jane Albert, of Brownsville, Yuba County, California."
Ques. — " Were you ever suffering from diseased eyes?"
Ans. — " Yes sir; nearly all my life — being attacked in my infancy."
Ques. — " Have you subjected yourself to oculists for treatment."
Ans. — " I have to eminent oculists East, and have also tried many on
this coast; getting worse, month after month and year after year, until I
was totally blind, and continued so for eleven months, at which time I
was recommended to call on Dr. Morgan, having heard of his great
success with Leonard P. Eder, of Marysville, and J. E. Haskell, then of
Sacramento, now of this city. I was led into his office, which was then on
Kearny street, opposite the present location, entirely blind."
Ques. — " What did Dr. Morgan say to you on examination of your eyes
and learning their history ?"
Ans. — " That they could be easily cured."
Ques. — " Was not your faith somewhat shaken in medical science after
your eventful experience and sad disappointment after so many years
treatment?"
Ans. — " Yes sir; I confess it was but at the earnest solicitation of my
husband and many kind friends I consented to undergo what I supposed
to be another six months of torture."
Ques. — " What was the result? please state the facts in as few words as
possible."
Ans. — " On the 9th day of May, 1867, I was led into the Eye Infirmary
(as I before stated), blind. He immediately commenced treatment
and in nine weeks I was discharged cured, and returned to my home, and
then, for the first time, beheld my own child, who was eighteen months
old. You can only imagine my joy, for I cannot command words to relate
174 PKOMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OP SAN FRANCISCO.
it. This was five years since, and my eyes have been as perfect ever since,
as you now see them, and I never come to San Francisco without calling on
Dr. Morgan to thank and bless him for the great good he has done me —
and that is my mission here now — and I am glad I met you, for I take
great pleasure in relating this incident, and declaring it the most delightful
occurrence of my life."
No one can hear the plain and unvarnished statements of Mrs. Albert,
without being impressed with their truthfulness. "We had the pleasure of
conversing with quite a number of other patients, and witnessed the progress
of treatment in its varied forms and conditions, but as it would, in the
main, be a repetition of the above, our space will not permit their
productions.
The following are a few of the many statements of well-known persons :
" I will speak of Mr. Jeremiah Lynch, of Clear Lake, and Mr. Henry
Thompson, of Placerville — cases that came under my observation while
under Dr. Morgan's treatment. Thompson had been suffering for over a
year with granulated lids of both eyes, and had treated with other oculists
for several months, and when he went to Dr. Morgan was entirely blind.
But in eight weeks afterwards he could see to lead a blind man about the
city, and in fifteen weeks he went home with eyesight sufficient to do
ordinary work, and a good prospect of an entire restoration of sight.
Mr. Lynch had a cataract in his left eye, from which he had been blind
of that eye for four years. I saw Dr. Morgan operate, and never saw an
operation performed with greater skill. In just two weeks after, he went
home seeing, as he told me, nearly as well out of that eye as he ever did."
Rev. James E. Barnes,
Silveyville, Solano County, Cal.
" This is to certify that in the summer of 1859, while crossing the Plains,
my eyes became diseased, and since that time I have been subject to spells
of blindness, lasting from four to nine weeks, caused from granulations of
the lids, and producing opacity of the cornea. For two years I was
entirely blind in one eye, and could only, by the aid of powerful magnify-
ing glasses, see to read or write with the other. Language would fail to
give an adequate idea of the pain I endured. I exhausted my own skill
and the skill of several eminent doctors, but found no permanent relief.
In short, I had become discouraged, and life had lost its charms, when a
Mr. Resinger told me of a cure performed on Mrs. Jane Albert's eyes, by
Dr. D. T. Morgan, of San Francisco. Hope revived instinctively, and
without delay I visited the Bay, and found from those acquainted with Dr.
M. that his success was unrivaled as an Oculist. I visited the Doctor and
was soon convinced that he understood the anatomy of the eye; but
whether his treatment would be successful in my case, could only be
proven by trial. I was surprised when he told me that in six weeks I
would be able to read and write without glasses. His treatment com-
menced October 9th, 1868, and ceased November 14th, and when I left
the Infirmary I could see to read and write any print or writing
without glasses. I would also bear testimony of the skilfulness of opera-
tions on my eyes, and the eyes of others under my observation, performed
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 175
by Dr. M. Dr. M's gentlemanly deportment and familiarity inspires his
patients with confidence, love and respect, and I most sincerely recom-
mend him to all afflicted with their eyes."
Dr. A. G. Doom, p. m.,
Loyalton, Sierra County, Cal.
Yallejo, March 6th, 1869.
" De. D. T. Morgan — Dear Sir : My husband, Mr. A. Avery, from
whose eye you removed a cataract by a surgical operation, was able to see
to recognize countenances, and go anywhere about the city alone, with the
eye you operated on, in which he had been entirely blind over two years.
The operation was an entire success, and you did him an incomparable
service in restoring the sight of that eye, as he was blind in the other from
the same cause. My dear husband did not live long, however, to enjoy
the benefits of eyesight. You know that he was sixty-six years old, and
that he was getting feeble; he lived only thirteen days after being taken
sick; he died the 23d December, 1868. My husband had the greatest con-
fidence in your skill, and would have had you operate on the other eye
had he lived. I feel very grateful, indeed, for what you did for him, and
am very sorry, beyond expression, that he could not live to enjoy the
benefits of eyesight." Yours truly,
Mrs. A. Avery.
Dixon, Solano Co., March 25th, 1869.
• "I have been suffering with chronic sore eyes for the past eight years,
with occasional spells of severe inflammation and ulceration. For the past
two years I have been entirely unable to read, write, or do any work
requiring much eyesight. The upper eyelids were almost powerless, so
that I could open them only partially, and the lashes turned inward on
the eyeball, creating irritation and a continual discharge of tears, causing
me to go with my head down and eyes shaded. The pain I endured at
times was beyond description. I placed myself under Dr. D. T. Morgan's
treatment four weeks ago. He performed an operation on both upper
eyelids, removing a piece from each an inch long and half an inch wide,
which caused them to open sufficiently and remove the irritation. After
four weeks treatment, the granules are cured, the inflammation has
subsided, and my sight is restored so that I can write or read fine print.
My eyes are quite strong, and are relieved of all disagreeable symptoms.
"I am very thankful, indeed, for the prompt and skillful manner in
which Dr. M. has cured my eyes. The cure was performed in less time
than I thought possible, and my sight is better than I ever thought it
would be. I take pleasure in recommending Dr. M. to those who are
afflicted with diseased eyes. Any one wishing further particulars can
inquire of my husband, Nathaniel P. "Williams, Dixon Station, Solano
County, Cal." Sarah J. Williams.
" I consider it a duty I owe the public to make known the circum-
stances connected with my blindness and final cure. I also consider it a
pleasure to make an acknowledgement of the great service Dr. D. T.
Morgan, Oculist, 226 Sutter street, San Francisco, rendered me in curing
176 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
my eyes and restoring my sight after several months blindness. I went
first under Dr. 's treatment, an oculist in San Francisco, and
remained under his care seven months, and became blind, so that I had to
be led around the city. I found that I was getting worse, so I concluded
to change doctors, and I went under Dr. Morgan's treatment. My eyes
commenced improving at once, and in three weeks I could see to go
around alone, and after fourteen weeks treatment I came home and went
to work with sight sufficient to read coarse letters and earn a living for
myself and family, and my sight is still improving. My case was
granulated eyelids and opacity of the cornea, and I am confident that I
would have been blind to-day had it not been for the superior skill of Dr.
Morgan." Henry Thompson.
Placerville, March 19, 1889.
Statement of Dr. Horace Allen, late of Chicago, now in practice in this
city, who is familiar with the office practice of. Dr. Morgan. Dr. Allen
occupying rooms in the same building, contiguous to the Infirmary, visit-
ing this institution frequently, thus affording him an opportunity of
observing the treatment and its results, and, at our request, he kindly
furnished us the following statement :
" Remarkable cures of various complicated diseases of the eye at Drs.
Morgan & Wilson's Eye Infirmary, 526 Kearny street, many of which I
have had the pleasure of witnessing, both by operation and treatment,
some of them cases that have been treated from six months to five years
by other oculists, most of which were made worse, and others left entirely
blind. Many of those same cases subsequently came to this Infirmary for
treatment, all, without any exception, left in from four weeks to three
months entirely cured, except those cases that were made entirely
blind by previous treatment, and even some that were to all appearances
permanently blind, and declared to be so by eminent oculists of this city,
were restored to perfect sight and others greatly benefited. The only cases
where the patients were not made to see, that I have observed, are those
that the barbarous treatment they had received before entering the Infir-
mary had made them permanently blind, which is certain to follow such
treatment. These cases were staphyloma, amaurosis, those operated on
for cataract and artificial pupil, and various diseased conditions of the orbit
and general system.
" Scores of cases of a perfect analagous character to those that have been
treated in Europe for from one to five years in the Infirmaries by the most
scientific skill of that country, producing but partial recovery, have been,
by Dr. Morgan's skill and treatment, perfectly cured in from eight to
eighteen weeks, in San Francisco, California, which can be testified to by
hundreds of living witnesses, many of whom have stood the severest test
for years after being cured, proving a perfect restoration of the eye. This,
I think, should be known to the world for the world's good. It does cer-
tainly appear that the treatment adopted at this Infirmary is known only
to themselves."
(Signed), . Horace Allen, m. d.
526 Kearny street.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN EEANCISCO. 177
" I came to San Francisco the first day of December, 1868, with two
blind boys — Samuel and Alonzo, They were born blind, the cause being
cataracts. I took them to Dr. D. T. Morgan and had their eyes examined,
and he told me that he could give them sight by an operation. I placed
them in Dr. Morgan's care, and he operated on one eye, only, of each of the
boys. He succeeded in removing the cataracts and restored them to sight.
As soon as they were allowed to remove the bandage from their eyes, they
could see to go around alone, and have been constantly improving, and
bid fair to regain sight enough to do business, and earn a living for them-
selves. Leonard Butterfield.
San Francisco, March 26th, 1869.
Jeremiah Lynch of Clear Lake, California, blind five years in one eye —
system treatment and operation, all told, five weeks — sees to read ordinary
print. Fourteen months following, the other eye was operated on — total
treatment, two weeks; and sees still better than with the former. Com-
menced treatment, October 1st, 1868.
Nathaniel Knight, (more commonly known as " Ned Knight,") of
Marysville, California, operated on for cataract; total treatment, five
weeks. Three years thereafter, he was operated on for cataract in' the
other eye, and sees better than with the former — he is now working in a
butcher shop in his own city. First operation was performed June 10th,
1867, and the last two years after.
Mrs. Samuel R. Dyer, formerly of San Francisco, but who now resides
in St. Louis, Missouri, suffered from granular conjunctiva for five years;
was treated four years by other oculists, and was cured at this Infirmary
in five weeks. Also her son, John Dyer, treated at the same time for the
same disease, with a like rapid result. Both were treated in May, 1869.
Lucinda Ford, treated by other oculists about ten years, at intervals —
case was entropion and ulcerated cornea; discharged, cured, in twelve
weeks. This is a case that received her education from the blind asylum,
and her friends gave her up as hopelessly blind for life ; but now she can
read and write as well as anybody. Treated July, 1868.
Albert Cressy of the Bay City Laundry, corner of Turk and Filmore
streets, San Francisco, granulated eyelids, four months standing; com-
menced treatment, February 4th, 1868; discharged, cured, March 1st, 1868.
A. Avery of Sacramento, totally blind of cataract in one eye for four
years — system treated one week, when the operation was performed,
and in eight days after could see to read and write.
There is a preparation originated by Dr. Morgan, which he resorts to
for the relief and cure of the majority of diseases incident to our climate,
and it does seem, if there is any truth in the statement of human beings,
WOrkS WONDERFUL RESULTS.
If we understand aright this is a secret preparation, the formula for
which is locked within his own breast — it is known among his patients as
"tarantla juice." What we greatly regret is, that some means has never
been adopted by the profession to compel the disclosure of preparations so
valuable as this. Candor prompted us to say, on leaving the institution,
that the great dread of diseases of the eye had lost one-half its terror, and
if we should visit there a few more times, we dare not predict the result.
12
178 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
OYSTERS.
Pacific Oyster House, 337 Bush Street.
In strolling round the other night,
To look at 'Frisco by gas light,
Our careless feet by chance did stray
To where a fountain's ceaseless play
Of waters bright, did make a screen
Through which a sweet bouquet was seen;
While mossy stone and pearly shell,
O'er which the waters softly fell,
Made that window seem to be
Some fairy grotto of the sea.
"Stop," said my friend, "let's go in here —
It looks so nice — and try their cheer."
"All right," I said, "I must agree
That this place suits me to a * T.' "
No sooner had we found a seat
Than at our side a waiter neat
Made his appearance, asked our wish —
Said they had almost any dish
That we might name. We found it true,
And cooked magnificently ', too;
All kinds of oysters, juicy, fat,
Cooked every style; just think of that,
And if your mouth don't water, then
, You're different from other men.
They'd clams and crabs and terrapins; ]
In fact, we found they had within
That cosy place all kinds of game,
Fish, flesh or fowl which we could name,
While every dish was, I am sure,
Prepared to tempt an epicure.
The ladies, too, have found, 'twould seem,
That they have here the best ice cream;
So here they flock, the little sinners,
To get what they call " such nice dinners."
Whoever doubts this let him rush
To three hundred thirty-seven Bush,
And there this truth he'll fine made plain:
Who goes there once will go again.
CHARLES HAAKE, Proprietor.
WORTH KNOWING.
To cure a wound by a rusty nail, take common sheep's wool, burn on a
shovel or pan of live coals, hold the part injured over the smoke a few
times. This will prevent lock jaw from the effects of the wound.
CHICKEN ON THE BRAIN. 179
SIGNS AND OMENS.
An old gentleman, whose style was Germanized, was asked what he
thought of signs and omens.
" Veil, I don't dinks mooch of dem dings, und I don't pelieve avery-
dings; but I dells you somedimes dere is somedings ash dose dings.
Now de oder night I sits and reads mine newspaper, und my frau says :
" ' Fritz, de dog ish howling !'
" Veil, I don' dinks mooch of dem dings, und I goes on und reads
mine paper, und my frau she say —
" Fritz, I dells you dere ish some pad ish happen. De dog ish howling /'
" Veil, I goes to pet, und I shleeps, und all night long ven I vakes up
dere vas dat dog howling outside, und ven I dream I here dat howling
vorsher ash never. Und in de morning I kits up und kits mine breakfast,
und mine frau she looks at me und say, werry solemn, —
" ' Fritz, dere ish somedings pad ish happen. De dog vas howl all night.'
"Und shoost den de newspaper came in, und I opens him,' und by
shings, vot you dinks! dere vas a man died in Philadelphia ! "
CHICKEN ON THE BRAIN.
Commodore Stewart is a talented but eccentric individual, and has a
weakness for chickens. On one occasion, being found near a poultry -yard
under suspicious circumstances, he was interrogated rather sharply by
the owner of the premises as follows:
" Well, Jim, what are you doing here ? " .
'« O, nuffin, nuffin! jess walkin' rounV
" What do you want with my chickens? " t .
Nuffin at all. I was lookin' at 'em, day looks so nice."
This answer was both conciliatory and conclusive, and would have
been satisfactory had it not been for Jim's hat. It seemed to have a
motion entirely unusual in hats, and manifestly due to some remarkable
cause. It seemed to contract and expend and move of itself, and clearly
without Jim's volition. So the next inquiry was, —
" What is the matter with your hat?"
" My hat? Dat's an ole hat. I'se fond of dat hat."
" Well, take it off and let's look at it."
"Take off dis hat? No, sah. I'd ketch cold in my head, sartan. Always
keep my hat on when I'm out o' doors."
And with that Jim was about beating a hasty retreat, when, at his first
step, a low " kluk, kluk, kluk," was heard coming only too clearly from
the region of his head-gear. This was fatal; and Jim was stopped and
forced to remove his hat, when a plump, half-grown chicken jumped out
and ran hastily away. The air with which the culprit gazed after it was a
study for a painter; it expressed to a perfection wonder and perplexity
blended, but not a trace of guilt. Slowly he spoke, as though explaining
the matter to himself, and accounting for so remarkable an incident.
" Well, if dat ain't de funniest ting I ebber did see. Why, dat dar
chicken must have clum up de leg of my pantaloons."
180 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
THE COSMOPOLITAN.
We direct attention to the excelient cut of this noble building which we
present on the opposite page-. It is situated on the corner of Bush and
Sansome streets, San Francisco, and is under the management of Mr. H.
H. Pearson, formerly of the Rus's House. Mr. P. has had much experience
in his line, and understands the wants of the public on this coast to a " T."
He took charge of the Cosmopolitan in September 1871, and since that time
the house has been crowded with guests. A fuller description may be
found on pages 136 and 137 of this work.
A burnt child dreads the fire.
Sorrow is soon enough when it comes.
Slander always leaves a slur.
Quick at meat, quick at a work.
Sorrow and ill weather come unsent for.
Desert and reward seldom keep company.
Work done in haste is never finished to perfection.
Prosperity gains a multitude of friends.
When good cheer is lacking, friends will be packing.
MACHINE SHOPS.
F. A. Huntington, 18 and 20 Fremont street. — At the beginning of this
work may be found the modest advertisement of this gentleman's shingle
machine, said to be one of the most successful in use, as indeed it ought to
.be, having been invented and constructed by one of the most clear headed
and thoughtful mechanics to be found in San Francisco. He is not only
the inventor of the shingle machine but of a half dozen other useful and
ingenious machines, among which may be mentioned his portable saw-
mill ; a new plan of constructing the boilers of portable engines whereby
the heating surface is largely increased and the fuel more effectually
utilized: an improved job cylinder printing press that has the type on the
cylinder and works with astonishing rapidity, besides numerous little
devices in connection with various machines which he has constructed.
He has a very complete lot of superior machinery and tools in his estab-
lishment and is fully prepared not only to give his customers the benefit
of them, but also of his personal advice and supervision.
CELEBRATED EINIMENT.
One ounce Oraganum; one ounce Gum-Camphor; two ounces Oil
Spike; four drachms Tincture Capsicum; one pint ninety-five pr. ct. Alco-
hol. For cuts, sores, bruises, sore throat, stiff neck, lameness of any
kind, take a small piece of flannel, wet, and rub for five to ten minutes; for
pain, inwardly, thirty to sixty drops in a little water, and rub outside; for
sore throat, inhale and rub outside.
COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL.
181
STTSSSX JSIT'jFg.JElIEST.
182 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
MUSIC WAREHOUSE.
Kohler, Chase & Co., 633-5 Clay street. — Who says that we are not a
music-loving people ? Who says that we are uncultivated, uncivilized and
wholly given up to the pursuit of the " Almighty dollar ?" Who says that
we cultivate the real to the entire exclusion of the ideal ? Not those who
have wandered through our beautiful photograph galleries, or our immense
book stores; nor those who have gazed upon our magnificent seminaries,
colleges and libraries; nor yet those who have whiled away pleasant hours
in the numerous elegant music warerooms with which San Francisco is
supplied. At the head of the latter stands the well-known house of Koh-
ler, Chase & Co., formerly A. Kohler, which has been established nearly
twenty-two years — almost as long as San Francisco itself.
In September, 1870, they moved into the large and beautiful building
which they now occupy, and which is undoubtedly one of the finest and
best arranged structures devoted to the sale of musical merchandise in the
United States. This immense establishment is thirty-six feet front, extend-
ing clear through from Clay to Commercial streets, and is three stdVies
in hight, exclusive of the basement.
Entering from Clay street, the visitor sees before him interminable rows
of costly pianos and beautiful cabinet organs, while on either hand in end-
less array, are shining brass instruments, white keyed accordeons, musical
looking violins, overgrown bass viols, melodious flutes, big drums and
little drums, snare drums and kettle drums; in short, almost every instru-
ment known, from a grand piano down to a penny whistle. The impres-
sions which a person receives when visiting this room for the first time are
somewhat curious. All is still and quiet to the ear, while to the eye all is
bustle, activity and life. The clerks and employees are seen moving about,
but the sound of their footsteps is lost in the vast hall; musicians wander
about among the instruments, stopping occasionally to draw forth a few
rich chords from an organ, or to run their fingers rapidly over the resound-
ing keys of a piano; but the sound is softened by distance, and serves only
to make the quiet more noticeable. The immense glass doors at either end
of |he building opening as they do directly into the streets, also assist in
producing these impressions. They exclude the noise, but permit a pano-
rama of passengers and vehicles, which appear as if shod with rubber, to
pass constantly before the vision.
This house enjoys the advantage of selling the celebrated Chickering
piano, and the world-renowned Mason & Hamlin cabinet organ, each stand-
ing a head and shoulders above other instruments of the kind. They also
sell the Emerson and the Marschall & Mittauer pianos. The second and
third stories of the building is a perfect paradise for Young America, being
devoted to children's carriages, tovs. etc.. of which Messrs. Kohler, Chase
& Co., are large importers.
We would be pleased, if our space permitted, to speak of the politeness
that one always meets with from all connected with the house, whether
they come as purchasers or merely to pass a pleasant hour.
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO. 183
STENCIL PLATES, BRANDS, ETC.
F. M. Tnrworthy, 318 Front street, up stairs. — The cutting of stencil
plates in this city, has through the ingenuity and enterprise of Mr. Tru-
worthy, been elevated to a very important branch of business.
It is but a small matter for one to learn a trade, and follow in the wake
of his predecessor ; applying rules laid down by others, and performing in
a passable way the duties devolving upon him in the vocation selected as a
business pursuit, but in this day of progression, the mechanic must add
some original thought to advance his own branch of industry, otherwise he
becomes a mere machine, and has lived a purposeless life to a useless end.
The subject of our sketch, (Mr. Truworthy), has advanced many new
ideas and applied them to the art of stenciling. He commenced this busi-
ness as an apprentice some eighteen years since, and after being taught by
the best of his trade, he commenced for himself in 1858, and has turned
out the best work of any one in his line of business on the Pacific Coast, as
attested to by all our fairs, having obtained the first premium every time
he presented his samples of work in competition with others. Also many
leading merchants of this city are not content to say he is the best stencil
cutter on the Pacific Coast, but affirm there is none superior to him in the
United States.
However, what most attracted our attention, in passing through his
factory, was the workmanship and art displayed in the execution of some
of the great variety of samples suspended from the walls of his apartments.
There one will find not only letters of the most artistic and ornamental
kind, but buildings delineated with nearly the precision of the artist or
photographer, also paintings that would be considered a credit to the
brush of our engravers and lithographers.
The reader would be well rewarded for the time spent by calling to
examine the style and workmanship of the exhibition of Mr. Truworthy's
handiwork, and may rest assured he will be courteously received by the
proprietor. Remember his number is 318 Front street.
The employees of his establishment are those to whom he taught their
' trade, thus being well skilled in the art, and all work executed is guaran-
teed to suit the most fastidious.
STENCIL CUTTING AND ENGRAVING.
George M. "Wood, 312 Bush street. — The name of Mr. "Wood is
familiarly associated with the business of stencil cutting and engraving, to
the people of the city, having for over fourteen years devoted himself to
this business.
The manufacture of door plates is of considerable importance, and Mr.
Wood has undoubtedly a larger stock of them, than all others in this line
of business on the Pacific Coast combined, and his plates are superior,
being hard plated, and double the usual thickness. Small stencils for
marking clothing in writing style, is another large branch of his business;
also engraving of every kind is executed«in the neatest style.
Mr. Wood is a large importer of seal presses, and the only house on the
coast that keeps a full supply of stencil goods for the trade.
184 A THRILLING RAILROAD ACCIDENT.
A THRILLING RAILROAD ACCIDENT.
fHE train was standing at Summit Station; the engineer leaning out of
the cab -window was awaiting the order to go ahead; the passengers in
the two coaches next the locomotive were bidding good-bye to their,
friends on the platform, who predicted a dangerous ride down the side of
the mountain, in the face of the inky black thunderstorm that suddenly
appeared approaching from the west as night came on. The head light of
the locomotive threw its glare a hundred yards ahead, down the track,
into the gathering darkness. The red signal lantern on the rear platform
was in its place, and the train was about to start, when suddenly was
heard the cry of fire ! fire ! fire !
The train was composed of the two passenger cars next the locomotive,
and six oil cars, the foremost of which was on fire, and blazing fearfully.
The passenger cars were quickly uncoupled from the others, and the
locomotive started ahead with them, quieting the fears of the passengers,
some of whom were crowding out the doors, while others were trying to
climb out of the windows. They had proceeded but a few yards and were
slacking up, when a yell was heard from those at the station. The blazing
oil cars had started too ! The engineer comprehended the situation at a
glance, and put on all the steam which sent the driving wheels spinning
round with fearful rapidity as they endeavored to overcome the inertia of
the train. It actually seemed as if the locomotive was frightened, and was
making extraordinary exertions to get the passenger cars out of the way of
the burning train. At last the wheels took firm hold of the track, and the
distance between the passenger and oil cars increased, and now commenced
One of the most fearful races that the pen of man has ever recorded.
The road pursued a zigzag course down the side of the mountain,
descending nine hundred feet in ten miles. The track was plainly visible
from the village below, and appeared, from that point, like a gigantic, old-
fashioned, worm fence. Down this awful declivity both trains rushed.
The engineer seeing that his train was at a safe distance from the other,
shut off steam, but did not dare to whistle down brakes, lest he should be
overtaken. In one minute from the time they started, they had attained a
speed of fifty miles an hour. The passengers, who with pale faces had
been watching the burning train through the open windows, now withdrew
from them, and grasped the seats of the wildly rocking car, expecting,
momentarily, to be hurled from the track into the dark chasms below.
The velocity caused the flames to enwrap all the oil cars, which imme-
diately took fire and burnt fearfully. The oil train was about two hundred
feet long, yet, such was the intensity with which the oil burned, that the
flames extended back at least four hundred feet further, making a stream
of fire six hundred feet long, shooting down the track Avith the velocity of
light in pursuit of that doomed passenger train. On and on with rapidly
increasing speed they flew, over bridges, through cuts, around promonto-
ries, till it seemed that they must leave the winding track and go straight
to the valley below. Rocks, trees, fences and farm-houses along the road
for a quarter of a mile on either, side, were lighted up by the flying, lurid
light as at noonday. From the plain below the scene was indescribably
terrific — the thunderstorm enwraping the mountain in blackness added to
A "SMILING MAN." 185
its sublimity. It appeared as if a comet had struck the earth and was
pursuing its erratic course along its surface. As the burning mass flew
rapidly from curve to curve in its descent, it looked as if an immense torch
was being waved gently from side to side by giant hands.
Still on it came; the whistle of the locomotive shrieking, at short
intervals, a wild note of alarm, as it endeavored to escape from the blazing
fiend. The foot of the mountain was nearly reached. The speed at this
time was absolutely appalling — it eould not have been less than one
hundred miles per hour, and yet the cars clung to the track. The trains
reached the lofty curving bridge that spans the river at this point; the
passenger cars had gained slightly during the descent, and were at this
time about fifty yards ahead.
Suddenly the forward oil car was seen to turn partly over and leap into
the river — a hundred feet below — followed by the other five. In their
descent, the oil was spilled on the timbers of the bridge and over the
surface of the river where it continued to burn furiously, enwraping the
bridge and making its destruction immediate and certain.
The engineer upon witnessing the leap of the oil cars, whistled down
brakes, and the flying train was stopped about two miles from the bridge,
having, as by a miracle, escaped unharmed. Many of the passengers had
fainted, but speedily recovered when the train stopped. It was afterward
ascertained that the train ran eleven miles in seven minutes.
A "SMILING MAN."
He plies his trade in a cozy den,
Where thirsty citizens, now and then,
Drop in to " wet their whistles :"
He's one of the blandest of " smiling " men,
Extremely clever, and knows just when
To cast his witty missiles. i
His nasal organ is sharp and thin —
A sort of stalactite over the chin —
Which juts from the visage under;
His ears pYotrude like a sturgeon's fin;
His eyes are gray, and sallow his skin —
In short, he's a "smiling" wonder!
His den is filled with marvelous things —
Toys from Japan, shells, fossils and rings,
And Indian goods in profusion;
Knives which belong to cannibal kings,
Enormous plumes from the condor's wings-
All scattered around in confusion.
A wonderful place, that saw-dust den !
A marvelous trap for unwary men
Who go there to "wet their whistles:"
And he with the nose so sharp and thin —
A grinning goblin welcoming in
His prey to a couch of thistles.
186
PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
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189
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PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
191
HOPE, McKILLOP & CO.,
THE
Mercantile Agency,
317 California St., San Francisco, Cal.
J. ARTHUR iE^OIrPIE],
HVEAnKTAG-EIFt.
Branch and Associate Agencies as follows :
HOPE, McKILLOP &> CO., Portland, Oregon.
TAPPAN, McKILLOP &f CO., Chicago.
TAPPAN, McKILLOP £f CO., Detroit.
STRONGS &> HEDENBERG, St. Joseph.
JOHN McKILLOP &> CO., Baltimore.
TAPPAN, McKILLOP & CO., Toledo.
WRIGHT, McKILLOP &> CO., Kansas City.
MOORE, McKILLOP & CO., Quincy.
MURRAY, MIDDLEMISS &> CO., Toronto.
MURRAY, MIDDLEMISS &> CO., Montreal.
V
McKILLOP, SPRAGUE &> CO., N. Y.
JOHN McKILLOP <5^ CO., Philadelphia.
TAPPAN, McKILLOP &> CO., Milwaukie.
LATHROP, McKILLOP <&» CO., St. Louis.
C. SEICHRIST, Louisville.
TAPPAN, McKILLOP &> CO., Cincinnati.
JAMES W. KIMBALL, Boston.
TAPPAN, McKILLOP &> CO., St. Paul.
TAPPAN, McKILLOP & CO., Grand Rapids
PURCELL, ROSS & CO., Albany.
HEAD AGENCY :
McKILLOP, SPRAGUE & CO., 109 and 111 Worth St., New York.
ESTABLISHED A. D. 1842, IN NEW YORK,
FOR THE PROTECTION OF TRADE AND COLLECTION OF DEBTS.
Associate Offices in all the principal cities of the United States and Dominion of Canada,
also, in London, Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Glasgow, Paris and Melbourne.
Supplies information as to the character, capital, antecedents, and mercantile position of Bankers,
Merchants, etc., in the United States, Dominion of Canada, Hawaiian Islands, etc.
Special Attention given to Legal Business and the Collection of Debts
Throughout the above-named localities.
Names of reliable Attorneys throughout the Pacific Coast furnished Free on application to the Agency
Refer to the Bankers and Leading Merchants of the United States.
References in San Francisco :
Pacific Bank.
London and San Francisco Bank (Limited.)
Hickox & Spear, Bankers.
Sather & Co., Bankers.
Tallant & Co., Bankers.
A. Borel & Co., Bankers.
First National Gold Bank, of San Francisco.
Doirohoe, Kelly & Co., Bankers.
California Trust Company.
Dickson, De Wolf & Co., Importers.
Agard, Foulkes & Co., Importers.
Rodgers, Meyer & Co., Importers.
E. Martin & Co., Wholesale Liquors.
J. C. Morrison, Jr., Wholesale Liquors.
L. Dinkelspiel & Co., Wholesale Dry Goods.
W. & I. Steinhart, Wholesale Clothing.
Murphy, Grant & Co., Wholesale Dry Goods.
McCain, Flood & McCIure, Wh. Dry Goods.
Rosenstock, Price & Co., Wholesale Boots.
Tobin, Davisson & Co., Wh. Fancy Goods.
Crane & Brigham, Wholesale Druggists.
Glasgow Iron and Metal Importing Company.
Levi, Strauss & Co., Wholesale Clothing.
192 PROMINENT BUSINESS HOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO.
IP ' "^BwiiPi
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CELEBRATED
This will certify that the Hallet, Davis & Co. Pianos, exhibited by Wm.
G. Badger, at the Eighth Industrial Fair of the Mechanics' Institute, held
at San Francisco, 1871, received the First Premium and only Medal awarded
for Eastern-made Pianos.
A. S. HALLIDIE, President Board of Managers.
W. H. WILLIAMS, Secretary Board of Managers.
Second-hand Pianos taken in exchange for new. Also, Sole Agent for
Geo. Woods <fe Co's Parlor and Vestry Organs, the Finest in the world.
WAREROOMS, No. 7 SANSOME STREET, S. F.
BAKEE & HAMILTON,
No. 8.
1872
IMPORTERS OW
THE CHAMPION SELF-BAKE BEAPEB.
AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS,
r^'iksJ
Nos. 13, 15, 17 and 19 Front Street.
w wm<
Nos. 9, 11, 13 and 15 J Street,
2
March, 1872.
We again hand you our Price List of Machines and some of the
goods imported and controlled by us exclusively. Our aim is to keep
nothing but articles of known worth and merit, and our long experi-
ence in the agricultural machinery trade enables us to give Farmers
just what they require, and they are saved the expense of experiment-
ing. We desire to call your attention particularly to the great im-
provements made in the Agricultural Implements offered for sale by
us. Our aim is to sell only the best, and those we can recommend.
The prices given are subject to change without notice, and persons send-
ing their orders to us can rely on having them filled with the greatest
care and at the lowest market rates. Our constant aim is to sell
Machines perfect in every respect, and to make our House worthy the
patronage of an appreciative public, whose favors in the past we
gratefully acknowledge, and respectfully solicit their continuance.
Orders addressed to either Sacramento or San Francisco, will re-
ceive prompt attention. Very respectfully yours,
BAKER & HAMIJLTON.
Scott Valley, Siskiyou Co., Cal., Jan. 20, 1871.
Messrs. Baker & Hamilton, Sacramento — Gentlemen: There never
was a Thresher that had to pass through the same ordeal of criticism
as the Pitts' Improved Separator bought of you last summer. You
will remember me telling you my experience with Eussell and Sweep-
stakes for the last fifteen years, and I came to Sacramento for the
purpose of buying a Russell. On your recommendation I bought the
Pitts, and I do say it is the best machine in use. For entirely sepa-
rating the grain from the straw, for thoroughly cleaning and not
cracking the same, and for threshing just as much as you can get to
it, the Pitts Improved is certainly without a rival. Having tried and
seen all the different Threshing Machines work that are in use, my
advice to any one wishing to purchase, is, to get a Wood & Mann
Engine of suitable size, and Pitts Improved Separator, and look no
farther. Yours truly, H. W. Morgan,
Windsor, Sonoma Co., Jan. 15, 1871.
Messrs. Baker & Hamilton — Gents: Your favor of 11th inst. came
duly to hand, asking me how I liked the Pitts Improved Separator and
Wood and Mann Engine that I bought of you last season. So far as
I am competent to judge, they are far ahead of all others that I have
seen, and I have had 15 years' experience threshing in this State. I
have threshed as high as 2,800 bushels in one day.
Yours truly, James Kennedy.
3
WMMMwm:
R O V ■ IG 13
PITTS' THRESHING
This is the acknowledged head of all SEPARATORS, and by continued improve-
ments compels others to keep in the wake. Attempting to imitate and improve,
without having a practical knowledge of what he desires to accomplish, an unskill-
ful imitator brings forth a very poor representative of the original. The PITTS'
THRESHER has stood at the head of Separators for a number of years, during
which time innumerable aspirants for public favor have been introduced with
great pretensions — have struggled and lingered through a few brief years, and then
disappeared. The " CALIFORNIAN " has outlived all competition, and to-day
stands higher than ever before. The Concave may be raised or lowered while the
Machine is in motion. The Shoe is protected by guides, to which a Straw Stacker
can be attached. No other Machine has this. They are the only Machines which
required no altering last season. The Leetli are so arranged that it is impossible to
crack the grain; yet it threshes clean, and no grain goes over in the chaff or straw.
Me. Bbonson, a practical thresher and mechanic, visited this coast from the factory,
and adopted improvements suggested by the successful threshers here, and to them
the machine is greatly indebted for its unparalleled success. Always buy the best.
You will find it the cheapest in the end. The cost of repairs is insignificant in
comparison with other machines. "We only add two of the many hundreds of testi-
monials we have received, speaking of its superior excellence, on the opposite page.
PITTS' IMPROVED SEPARATORS.
28 in. Band Cylinder, no drive belt or jack. .$425
28in. Geared " 450
32 in. Band " no drive belt or jack... 525
82 in. Geared " 550
36 in. Band " no drive belt or jack . . .625
36 in. Geared •' 650
40 in. Band " no drive belt or jack . . .700
Pitts' Large Band Jack, extra 40
Driving Belt extra, 54 cents per foot.
Ball's Tornado Separator, 30 in. and various
sizes of KUSSELL'S at special rates, very cheap.
Pitts' Improved Double Pinion
Horse Power.
4 horse, complete $175
8 " " 200
10 " " 225
12 " " 250
Burt's 1 horse Tread Power 175
" 2 " " " 225
Emery's3 " " " 250
1 horse California Sweep Power 90
Complete Geared Threshers, same price as Separator and Power together. Band
Threshers, $40 extra. This includes 100 feet of Driving Belt free with each com-
plete Band Machine.
16 feet Straw Stackers, $50. 22 feet Stackers, $55.
Portable Threshing Engines.
8x10 Wood & Mann, 10 to 12 horse, patent
•water bottoms $1,600
8x12 Wood & Mann, 12 to 15 horse, patent
•water bottoms 1,750
9x12 Wood & Mann, 14 to 16 horse, patent
•water bottoms 2,000
8x12 Hittinger, 12 to 15 horse 1,650
Steam Threshers at same price as Engine and
Separator together, and 100 feet Driving Belt
included.
Our Engines and Separators are complete and
eady for the field without additional cost to the
purchaser. We have spared no expense to make
them the most effective and durable machines in
the wwld, and at the prices quoted are cheaper
than any other.
All sizes of Hoadley Engines at special rates.
Hoisting Engines.
5%xl2 Vertical Engine and Boiler $1,000
6x12 " " " 1,100
6x12 Horizontal " and Vertical Boiler. l.luO
These Hoisting Engines are complete, gearing
covered — relief cocks— exhaust, made to go either
in or outside of smoke-pipe ; winch on end of
shaft, and other improvements, making the en-
gines worth $100 more than any other in market.
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WOOD & MANN PATENT TEAM ENGINE.
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This is the pioneer two-wheeled machine of the world ; has been on this
coast but a few years, and has very quietly stepped to the front and is now ack-
nowledged to be the best Keaper, best Mower and best Self Eaker on the coast. It
took the First Premium at the Mechanic's Fair, held in San Francisco in 1871, in
competition with all the machines represented. The Champion deservedly stands
as the "King of the Field." It is not built for mere sale, but real practical utility
and durability. It is a paragon of excellence, combining strength, neatness of finish
and substantial construction. Avoiding all side draft or weight on the horse's
necks, it is under the complete control of the driver, easily thrown in and out of
gear, and is adapted to any height of stubble. It mows as well as reaps, is adapted
to all countries and all soils. It mows without choking, and the peculiar flexible
arrangement of the cutter-bar, as well as the ground plan of the machine enables it
to pass obstructions without delaj', and follow the exact profile of the ground, leav-
ing a neat, smooth stubble. The vibration of the knife through the teeth is as
noiseless and works as smooth as a pair of shears. The reaping arrangements are
equally meritorious. It is built as a Eeaper with both Self-Rake and Dropper
attachments, as desired . The Self-Rake is one of the most ingenious yet simple in-
ventions ever presented to the American people. It operates in all kinds of grain,
heavy or light, lodged or standing, and on any kind of ground that you can plow.
It is so arranged as to be adapted to any size gavels desired. It leaves the grain
even and compact for binding, without wastage or straggling. In regard to price,
we do not claim that we offer the Champion for the fewest dollars, but we do claim
we offer the cheapest Reaper and Mower in market, regard being had to the work-
manship and material employed. The prices of the Champion are fixed as follows :
No. 4, Dropping Eake, Reaper and Mower . . $215
No. 2, Mowers 155
No.3, " ....185
No. 4, " 155
The Nos. 2 and 4 Beap 5 feet and Mow 4H feet.
No. 2, Self Rake, Eeaper and Mower
...,$250
No. 2, Hand •« " "
No. 4, Self " *• "
.... 250
No. 4, Hand " " "
.... 215
MISCELLANEOUS COMBINED
REAPERS AND MOWERS.
♦ ^
Excelsior Med. Dropper Reaper, reaps 6 feet; mows 4% feet . . . . . $200
Junior Dropper 190
The Junior reaps 5% feet, and mows 4 1-6 feet.
McCormick's 6 ft. Self-Rake, new style 250
New York Reaper Hand-Rake, 6 ft 200
Burt's Hand-Rake, 6 ft 200
MO^WERS,
No. 2 Champion, 4% feet $155
No. 3 " 4\£ " 135
No. i
&A
155
Excelsior Medium, 4% ft $145
Junior, 4 1-6 ft 130
Union No. 1, 4% ft 110
" " 2, 4^ ft 105
The UNION is the best low priced Machine in the State. Runs light, very
strong and durable, and is in every respect a first-class Mower.
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Ordinary Sickle Sections. . .$2 50
Mower " ... 2 50
Reaper Sickles, each
Mower Knives, "
Header Sickles, 10 ft, each.
12 ft., "
Reaping Attachments for
Mowers.
Champion No. 2, Self-Rake. . .$95
"2, Hand Rake.. 60
" " 4, " " .. 60
" 4, Self-Rake ... 95
" "4, Dropper 60
Excelsior Med. Dropper 65
" Junior Dropper 60
Excelsior Section Grinder, SIO.
HAINES' GENUINE IMPROVED HEADERS.
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HAINES' GENUINE HEADEE8, IMPEOVED.
WOOD'S IMPROVED HEADER WITH PATENT REEL RAISER.
10 ft. cut %
12ft. " $
10 ft. Header Knives..... $
12 " " " $
♦ ^
THE HAINES' IMPEOVED HEADEKS offered by us are greatly improved
over everything on the coast. We have been agents for this reliable Header for a
long time, and all sold by us have given perfect satisfaction. It is impossible to
enumerate the important improvements put on our Machines. Our supply of the
Genuine Haines is limited, and we would suggest early orders.
Baker & Hamilton's Screw Hub Header "Wagons with Whiffs and Neck Yokes, $75.
We reduced the price of these wagons $10 since last season. We have a few sets of
common Trucks at from $45 to $55.
Bain's Celebrated Farm and Freight Wagons.
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Eastern Beds and Brakes and Spring Seat, $25 additional to above. California
State Back-Box Spring Seat and Brake, $35 to $45 extra, according to finish.
Bain's California Header Wagons, made of selected timber, $100.
The Bain Wagons are gotten up on the Days Work Plan, offering no induce-
ments to the mechanic to hurry or slight his work, but, on the contrary, insuring
completeness in all respects, as well as a superiority over all such as are made so
largely on the Jobbing Plan.
LEONARD PATENT SEAMLESS THIMBLE SKEIN,
which is only used in their manufacture, is indispensable to insure light draught
and a perfect running wagon.
BAKER, & HAMILTON,
General Agents for the Pacific Coast.
^"vSSSSnS"*} Principal Depots. 1
13, 15, 17 and 19 Front St.,
SAN FRANCISCO.
AKER & HAMILTON'S
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No. 1, Eagle Chain Hand Press $150
No. 2, " " 175
No. 1, Eagle Bar " 150
No. 1, " Power Hay Press 275
Wp are Sole Agents on this coast for these HAT
PEESSES. They are the best and
Hand Hay Press.
CHEAPEST ON THE COAST.
EAGLE No. 1 POWEK HAY PHESS.
8
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Revolving 8-ft. Heads $ 9
10-ft. " 10
No. 1, 26-t Wire Rake 12
No. 2, 28-t " 14
No. 3, 30-t. " 16
WHITCOMB'S WHEELED WIRB HORSE RAKE, $45.
This is the simplest, cheapest and best
Wheeled Horse Bake ever invented. The
head is operated by means of treadles,
gives the operator more complete control
over it than any other method, and also
avoids that continual jerking on the horse
which is so objectionable in every other
Rake. The driver's hands are always
free for the management of the horse.
Nine-tenths of the Wheeled Bakes used
on this coast are sold by us, and are always
Whitcomb's.
A NEW REVOLVING HORSE BAKE AND THE BEST,
treccuofJUl
11© TIFFIR l@Pi© iak© r©a% Urn use.
This is the best Revolving Bake, worth a dozen of the old kind to wear out. It
has 16 hickory teeth, nine-foot head, patented tripping clutch, It is made of the
best quality of seasoned timber, by experienced and competent mechanics. No
Bakes sent out on Commission. The price is $12, and will be sent to any part of the
coast, C. O. D. All orders or letters of inquiry should be addressed Baker & Ham-
ilton, Sacramento or San Francisco.
Hand Hay Eakes.
Mortise Head, per doz.
Extra 3 Bowed, "
Horse Forks.
! Myers', each with 3 Blocks, &c $12.00
1 Sweepstake (Stockton Fork) Wood 25.00
" " " Iron 30.00
Harpoon Hay Fork, complete set 21.35
The Harpoon Hay Fork is, without doubt, the cheapest horse fork on the coast.
It weighs but eleven pounds, yet has frequently unloaded one ton of hay and carried
it to the height of twenty-five feet in four minutes. Pamphlets containing full
description sent on application
EOIRJSiS-
[a labge discount on these pbices to dealers.]
Bateheller's No. 3, 3 toed 6 ft. strapped . .$13 50
" " riveted 12 00
" " 4 toed 5 ft. " .... 15 00
Williamsport " 3 " 10 00
Baker & Hamilton, No. 3, 3 tined, 6 ft. idles 12 00
Baker & Hamilton, No. 3, 3 tined, 6 ft. hdles
strapped, 13 50
" " " " 43£ft.hdles 12 00
" " " " 16 in. tines,
4}£ ft. hdls 16 00
" " 16 in. tines,
6 ft. hdls. 16 00
" 4 tined, i% ft 16 00
Baker & Hamilton, No. 3, 4 tined, 4H ft. Bt'd 17 50
" " " ■' 5 do. do. 17 50
These Baker & Hamilton Forks are superior to
any in market. Handles are all selected, and the
steel extra tempered. Bright red finish, 'with
our labels.
Batcheller's D handle Manure $ 16 00
Clow's 4 tined Wood Barley Forks 15 00
" " Steel Tine Barley Forks 18 00
Remington's 4 tined Wood " " 15 00
Baker & Hamilton 5 tin'd wood Barley Forks 18 00
Extra fingers for do., per doz
Long Handled, strapped $20 50 I D Handled, not strapped $20 00
•• not " 19 50|D " " 2150
EAGLE FEED CUTTERS.
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Prices in San Francisco and Sacramento.
No. 1, 6 in. Knife, cuts J§ bush, per minute. $30.
" 2, 8 " " " 1 " " " . 35.
No. 4, 13 in. Knife, cuts 2 bush, per minute. $50.
" 5, 15 " '* " 3 " " " 60.
" 6. 20 " " " 6 * 100.
THE EAGLE FEED CUTTER.
Since its invention about three years ago, this machine has been fast growing
in favor throughout the country, and is fast becoming the favorite with all classes,
owing to its adaptability to any kind of work required of it; ease and rapidity with
which it does its work; ease with which it is adjusted to cut long or short; conveni-
ence of being kept in order; strength and force of construction; being always ready
for use; and last but not least, its never failing to please them.
The Shearing Bab, against which the knife works with a shearing, drawing
cut, is made of cast iron, heavy and strong, and is so arranged that it can be moved
towards the knife as it wears away.
The Feed Arrangement is very simple, strong, and effective, and unlike all
machines fed with gearing, it draws the material forward the desired distance after
the knife has passed the bar, and holds it there until the knife again passes and cuts
it off, thus avoiding any crowding against the knife ; and no change of gearing is
necessary to change the length of cut, but simply to loosen one nut and slide the
back end of the pawls up or down as desired and again tighten the nut, and can thus
be changed to cut any length desired, from one-fourth to nearly two inches.
10
The Celebrated California Sweepstake G-ang Plow
IMPROVED "SWEEPSTAKE" IKON CLAD GANG PLOW. SDESA'S PATENT.
The extraordinary sale of this Gang Plow during the past four seasons, is owing
to its possessing so MANY IMPORTANT ADVANTAGES OVER ALL OTHER
GANGS IN THE MARKET, among which are the following:
The remarkable simplicity of ks construction renders it impossible for it to get
out of order, and enables them to be built exceedingly strong and light. By means
of powerful levers, conveniently placed, it is raised quickly and easily out of the
ground, or readily pressed into it. It will plow from one to ten inches deep, and
always retain a level position at any desired point. No other attempts this. It is
the most portable plow in use, and is the neatest and most compact. The draft is
very light, and a boy ten years old can plow as much as two men with single plows,
and in a much superior manner . Extra parts can be obtained at the factory, and
are warranted to fit, as all are made from the same pattern.
Those offered for sale the present season are greatly improved, and made in the
most thorough and workmanlike manner possible, with previous defects corrected,
and several important improvements added. I he extensive sale of the Sweepstake
Gang has induced numerous imitators to put in market inferior Gangs, which are
weak, clumsy, and void of any of the essential points which make a good Gang.
The SWEEPSTAKE GANG is the standard of merit by which all others judge
their Gangs, and many use the name to sell their inferior article. The Sweepstake
Gang is only manufactured by the Sweepstake Plow Co., at San Leandro, and
farmers should order direct of us, or see that they get the Sweepstake Gang, and
net an imitation. No Gangs sent on commission; orders filled as received.
Prices at San Leandro — "Sweepstake" steel with Two Extra Points, $75.
"Iron Clad" " " " " " $85.
Collins' Moulds and Points on either, $10 extra without extra Points.
BAKER & HAMILTON,
Sole Agents San Feancisco and Sacramento.
SWEEPSTAKE PLOW CO.
San Leandeo.
*m ♦ —
HUIE'S PATENT GANG PLOW.
Having purchased the Huie Gang Plows sold by order of an assignee, at very
low figures, we are enabled to offer them at greatly reduced prices — below the cost
of importation— giving a Gang combining
Simplicity, Utility, Durability and Low Price.
They are selling very rapidly and we would advise early orders. This is the cheap-
est GOOD Gang offered. Being boxed, the transportation is low.
We offer at following low figures till all present stock is sold:
Price of Steel Gang, $60. "Price of Collins' $75. Without Extra Shares,
For an order of five Huie Steel Gangs we will take off ten per cet. Address
BAKTCR <fe HAMILTON,
Manufacturers and Importers of all kinds of Agricultural Implements and Hardware.
San Feancisco and Sacbamento.
n
One of tlie
MOST IMPORTANT INVENTIONS
Ever introduced among the farming community is the
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Prices.
Gem Hand Sower $10
" Power " 55
THK
Gem Power Sower '
is easily attached to '.
a wagon or cart, and
is pronounced by all
who have used them
to be superior to all
other broadcast Sow-
ers.
The grain is thrown
out on each side, as if
sown by hand. The
old style machines al-
ways left a DOUBLE
quantity behind the
wagon' The GEM
sows more evenly
than by hand.
GEM HAND SEED-SOWEB.
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STAR l^OILHSTE
We are the sole agents on this
coast for the celebrated STAR
MOLINE PLOW. They are
made extba haed, elegantly fin-
ished, and the only plow which
scours in every soil found in
California and Oregon.
Purchasers should see that
each Plow is branded on the
beam with a bright bed stab,
and our name over it. There
are numerous cheap sheet steel
Moline Plows in market, which
are nearly without merit except
the name "Moline."
STAR MOLINE PLOWS.
No. 6 cuts 14 in $16 00
No. 7 cut 12 in 15 00
No. 7% c t- . 14 50
No. 8 cuts 10 in 9 00
No. 8H cuts 9 in 8 50
High Landside, SI extra.
S No. 1 cuts 12 in., Cast Steel 19 00
S No. 1 cuts 12 in., Cast Steel, Iron Beam. . 22 00
16-inch Extra Breakers 40 00
18-inch Extra Breakers $45 00
20-inch Extra Breakers 50 00
The Breakers have extra share Boiling
Coulter and Gauge-wheel.
Single Shovel Plow, "Wood Beams 7 50
Double Shovel Plow, Wood Beams 8 00
Doiible Shovel Plow, Iron Beams 9 00
Three Shovel Plow, Iron Beams 12 00
Sweepstake Single Plow, 12-inch 20 00
We have a large stock of COLLINS' SMITH'S PLOWS, PEORIA, BOSTON
CLIPPER and CAST PLOWS, Price Lists of which will be furnished on application.
12
We are the SOLE
AGENTS for this
superior
Steam Pump
on this coast, and
have samples of
nearly all kinds in
store.
Pup*
We sell at Eastern
cost and import to
order any size not in
stock. Full particu-
1 a r s in pamphlet,
which we will be
pleased to furnish on
application. This
pump has more pe-
culiar features to re-
commend it to practi-
cal use than any
other.
WE CLAIM THE FOLLOWING ADVANTAGES :
First — It is composed of fewer pieces ; every part is easy of access ; all joints
are "ground," and both pistons have "Spring Eings."
Second — The steam valve is a single cylinder of cast-iron, perfectly balanced,
which in its motions is without comparative friction. It is operated by steam taken
from the main cylinder, after it has completed its work and is ready to be exhausted,
thus economizing steam to a great extent.
Third — It is without " dead points," starting whenever steam is admitted to the
cylinder, consequently dispensing with all starting levers, cranks, balance wheels,
cams, springs, weights, gears and other appliances ordinarily used.
Fourth — The peculiar construction of the water cylinder renders it easy to
change the valves, thereby fitting them for either hot or cold, thick or thin liquids,
oils and acids.
Fifth — It runs without noise or jar, and as the steam valve has only a horizontal
motion, and being balanced, at a great speed also . It works as perfectly at one
stroke per minute as at two hundred strokes .
This pump took the Silver Medal (First premium), at the Mechanics' Associa-
tion in Boston in 1865 ; also the Gold Medal at the American Institute in New
York; and also the Gold Medal of the Maryland Institute in 1865. Address,
BAKER & HAMILTON,
SAN FEANCISOO.
■ ■■■ • « & ^ ♦ q> fr * — — • "
THE IMPROVED EXCELSIOR LAWN MOWER,
The only PERFECT Lawn Mower.
This year are greatly improved
over those we sold last, and what
defects WERE found in those, are
now remedied.
Much has been written in re-
lation to
LAW^ MOWERS.
A great variety have been present-
ed to the public, few of which had
sufficient merit to win for them a
wide reputation. The "EXCEL-
SIOR " is sold all over the United
States, and is used in all the public
parks in the country.
No. cuts 11 in. $20) The No. 1
" 1 " 14 " $30 Vis the best
" 2 " 18 ' $35) size.
EXCEL610B L4TVK MCWEB.
13
ADVANTAGES :
It will do the •work twice
as fast as any other imple-
ment for the purpose.
It will do the work much
easier.
It will do the work bet-
ter, as the hole can be
made any size or shape re-
quired.
It is easily kept in or-
der.
Anybody can sharpen it.
Can dig to any depth you
choose with it.
-••^
DESCRIPTION.
The cut illustrates the
implement perfectly.
The cylinder is of steel,
6harp at its lower edge,
the bevel all being from
the inside.
It is left open on one
side, so as to allow it to jjjfe
spring open and hold the gg=
dirt that is pressed in it.
The handle is of round
iron, and long enough to
make a hole four feet deep.
THE FACTS.
Experience has taught
and proved three things,
viz:
l6t. That wood is not a
suitable material for
Wringing Machines ; it
swells or shrinks as it
becomes wet or dry, and
is constantly getting out
of repair. It is shaky at
one time, hard to operate
at another ; a screw is
needed here, a nut there,
&c, till the would-be-
calm house-wife loses her
temper and pronounces it
A PERFECT NUISANCE.
2d. Thumb-screws and
cog-wheels are the active
and vital principles of
DIRECTIONS :
Grasp as in the cuts and
strike it into the ground,
raising it up you bring the
dirt with it.
Drop it carelessly on the
ground, keeping hold of
the handle, and the dirt
will fall out ; proceed In
this manner to the desired
depth.
If you wish the hole any
other shape or larger, com-
mence at the top and cut
down.
CAUTION;
All persons are cautioned
against manufacturing this
implement, or any one in-
fringing LEED'S PATENT,
as they will be legally dealt
with.
» • »
RETAIL PEICE, . . $6.60.
This is less than the price
of common augers.
chines, and people with a
limited idea of machinery
find themselves unequal
to the task of regulating
them to the miscellane-
ous articles to be wrung.
First comes a handker-
chief, and down go the
screws ; t h e n a table-
spread, and up they go
again ; didn't get them
quite high enough, and
the thing sticks, and in
disgust the aforesaid
house-wife declares, " IT
IS NOT A LABOR-SAV-
ING MACHINE ;"— she is
right.
3d. The Rubber Rolls
fail; they twist on th e
shaft, bunch and becom e
irregular; why? becaus e
PERFECTED
"EUREKA" WRINGER.
those complicated ma-
an imperfect strain is brought to bear upon them, and tuey are made to SELL and not to wear,
Now to the point, for " facts ara stubborn things;" here is the other side.
1st. The Eureka Wringer has no wood about it except the crank handle, It is made of the best
grades of iron and steel, finely finished and galvanized, so it cannot rust. It cannot and will not
get out of order, except in actual wear, from years of service, and the sensible house-wife smiles
as she sees it brought into the house.
2d. It has no cog-wheels or thumb-screws. The machine is self-adjusting in every respect, al-
ways ready for any sized article ; the " handkerchief and table-spread " go through, one after
another, and are found to be equally dry, and "with so little labor," said house- wife is delighted,
and pronounces it a "GEM," and " SO SIMPLE."
3d. The Rolls are INDESTRUCTIBLE, and cannot twist or tear ; they will wear evenly, and
years of constant service will hardly tell upon them.
PRICES -A.T RETAIL.
No. 2— Ordinary Family size, 10 in. roll mach.$7 50 I No. 4— Largest Family size 12 in. mach.$10 00
No. 3— Extra Family size, 11 in. roll mach. . . . 8 00 | Liberal Discount to dealers, by the dozen.
14
Horizontal Engine, Vertical Boiler.— Hoisting Engine on Truck.
We are sole agents for Messrs. Kawson and Hittinger on this coast, and keep in stock samples
•f iheiriEngines, and import any style to order. Their Hoisting Engine* are perfect in every respect .
The gearing is covered. There is a Winch on one end of the main shaft, which 'will be found very
useful for hauling logs, &c. The exhaust pipe is so arranged that the steam can be exhausted in the
smoke pipe or outside, or a part each place. Full price lists furnished on application.
WE KEEP
A
FULL STOCK
OF THE BEST
LEATHER BELTING
In Market.
LIST OF
PRICES
. FURNISHED.
KUBBER BELTING
All Sizes.
LACE LEATHER.
Lard Oil,
MachineOil.
COPPER RIVETS
All Sizes,
®v BuNm.— Mi WMth>&
15
Miscellaneous Articles.
DEXTER HAND MADE HOUSE NAILS.
CUMBERLAND COAL IN CASKS AND SACKS.
WOODWORKING MACHINERY, ALL KINDS IMPORTED TO ORDER.
LARD OIL, CASTOR OIL, MACHINE OIL, AXLE GREASE, ALL THE
VARIOUS MAKES.
COTTON WASTE, STEAM PACKING.
LOW'S PATENT SHINGLE MACHINES.— SOLE AGENTS.
BRASS GLOBE OILERS, OIL AND TALLOW CUPS.
STEAM, GLASS AND WATER GAUGES.
LACE LEATHER, PATENT BELT RIVETS.
GRAIN DRILLS, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 16 HOE.
STAR MOLINE PLOWS, EXTRA HARDENED.
HARROWS, ALL SIZES FROM 24 TO 120 TEETH.
GARDEN SEED DRILLS.
VANDIVER CORN PLANTER. PLANTS 20 ACRES PER DAY.
THRESHING MACHINE TEETH.
Extra parts for all machines we sell. We have a new selected stock
of shelf and heavy
HARDWARE,
And would respectfully ask the patronage of dealers.
BAKER & HAMILTON,
9, ii, 13 and 15 J Street. 13, 15, 17 and 19 Front Street,
SA0KAMENT0. I SAN FRANCISCO,
Sweepstake IrMow Co., Ban Leandro.
16
BAKER & HAMILTON'S
CALIFORNIA GEM POWER SEED-SOWER.
i
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